Overview

• Malaysia overpowered defending champions South Korea 4-1, led by an Akhimullah Anuar hat-trick and an Ashran Hamsani strike after Geonhyo Jin’s early opener.
• Bangladesh crushed Chinese Taipei 8-3 to stay in contention, with braces from Mohammad Abdullah, Rakibul Hasan and Ashraful Islam, plus goals by Sohanur Sobuj and Rezaul Babu.
• Earlier Pool B openers saw Malaysia beat Bangladesh 4-1 and Korea rout Chinese Taipei 7-0, featuring a Dain Son hat-trick and a Jihun Yang double.
• Malaysia move close to a Super 4 berth, while Korea now face Bangladesh next and Malaysia meet Chinese Taipei on September 1 in decisive pool finales.
• The Asia Cup serves as a direct qualifier for next year’s FIH World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, elevating the stakes of Pool B results.