Bangladesh Beat Sri Lanka 4-0 to Top Group

Bangladesh produced an impressive performance to beat Sri Lanka 4-0 and finish top of their group in a match that kicked off at 8pm on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Gulistan, Dhaka.

Bangladesh started brightly, playing with energy and control from the opening minutes. In the fifth minute, they won a free kick just outside the penalty area, but Hamza's effort sailed just over the crossbar.

The hosts did not have to wait long for the opening goal. In the eighth minute, Hamza created an attacking opportunity with a cross from the right. Sri Lankan goalkeeper Sujan Perera failed to hold the ball, allowing Shamit Som to take a shot inside the box. His first attempt was blocked by a Sri Lankan defender, but he converted the rebound to put Bangladesh ahead.

Bangladesh doubled their lead in the 43rd minute. Ibrahim played a pass to Hamza just outside the penalty area. Hamza sprinted past a Sri Lankan defender before taking a shot that deflected off goalkeeper Sujan Perera and went into the net.

There were no further goals before half-time.

Bangladesh extended their lead in the 53rd minute through a brilliant individual effort from Farhan Ali. Receiving the ball just outside the box, Farhan moved towards the left and dribbled into the penalty area, beating three defenders before finishing the move himself.

Sri Lankan players could only watch as Farhan made his way through their defence. Even Hamza, standing in front of him, appeared amazed by the goal. After the strike, Saad Uddin and other Bangladesh players lifted Farhan in celebration.

Rakib also delivered an impressive performance throughout the match, creating several dangerous crosses that initially failed to produce goals.

He finally found the net in the 87th minute. Receiving the ball well outside the penalty area, Rakib ran past a defender and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Sujan Perera. He chipped the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to complete Bangladesh's 4-0 victory.