The Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar, presented another day of exhilarating hockey action on its second day of competition, marked by a multitude of goals and fiercely contested games. On Saturday, August 30, Pool B saw Bangladesh and Malaysia emerge victorious in two matches. Bangladesh demonstrated a commanding performance, scoring a remarkable 8 goals, while Malaysia caused an upset by defeating Korea in a tightly fought contest. The two matches collectively produced a total of 16 goals, offering an engaging spectacle for the audience.
The first match of the day involved Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. The initial half ended in a 2-2 draw, with Chinese Taipei displaying resilience and surprising Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh team, who were participating in place of Pakistan, gained control and began scoring freely. In the second half, Bangladesh scored six goals, securing a decisive 8-3 victory.
The second match within the same pool was highly competitive, leading to an upset. The match between Korea and Malaysia was eagerly anticipated, and it fulfilled the expectations. The first half concluded with both teams tied at 1-1, with the expectation that the outcome would be decided in the final moments. However, Malaysia significantly altered the course of the game after the break. They consistently attacked the Korean goal, scoring multiple goals in the second half, and ultimately securing victory with a final score of 4-1.
Attention is now shifting to ‘Super Sunday,’ which will occur on August 31st, where the Pool A matches are scheduled. The most anticipated game will feature the host nation, India, against Japan, both of whom had a strong start to the tournament. India emerged victorious in an exciting match against China, with a score of 4-3, while Japan dominated its opening match, achieving a 7-0 victory. The second match of the day will feature a contest between China and Kazakhstan.