Barishal taste successive victories in HCT

Metro Express Barishal tasted successive victories in the Hockey Champions Trophy as they registered an emphatic 5-2 win over Saif Power Group Khulna in the day's second match at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Barishal, who came into their second match on the back of a 2-1 win over Walton Dhaka, dominated the proceedings and took a nine-minute lead with Malaysian Fitri Bin Saari converting a penalty corner before former Bangladesh international, Mamunur Rahman Chayan, doubled the lead by converting another penalty corner in the 26th minute.

Two minutes from the break, Khulna replied strongly when Bangladesh international Khorshedur Rahman converted the fifth penalty corner before Tanzim Ahmed levelled the margin by flicking a Malaysian Firdaus Rosdi push home in the 32nd minute.

Despite levelling the margin, Khulna could not carry the momentum in the fourth and final quarter and ended up suffering their second defeat in as many matches. 

Meanwhile, Barishal put on some spirited showing to score three successive field goals to seal their second victory. Fitri restored the lead with a field goal in the 38th minute while Ruman Sarker and Malaysian Akhimullah Eshook also scored in the 50th and 51st minutes, respectively.

Barishal moved to the second position in the six-team table with equal 10 points as leaders ACME Chattogram, who are ahead courtesy of goal difference.