Bangladesh a no-show for friendlies

ASIA Cup hosts Bangladesh left the Malaysia hockey team high and dry with a no-show in their planned friendlies at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Bangladesh had requested for four friendlies with the senior side, and Malaysia agreed to play three matches — one with the juniors and two with the seniors in preparation for the Asia Cup in Dhaka on Oct 11-22.

“We were ready to play against them, but I was told at the last minute that the team could not make it due to some unforeseen circumstances.

“So, the seniors played against the juniors (yesterday) instead,” said chief coach Stephen van Huizen.

And the juniors benefited from the pullout with a narrow 1-2 loss to the seniors. The planned schedule against Bangladesh was supposed to be on yesterday, Monday and Tuesday.

The Asia Cup is also a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup and offers valuable ranking points.

In Dhaka, World No 12 Malaysia are in Group B with South Korea (No 13), China (No 18) and Oman (No 30).

In Group A are India (No 6), Pakistan (No 14), Japan (No 17) and Bangladesh (No 34).

“I will name the final 18 for the Asia Cup by Monday or Tuesday depending on a medical report on two players — Izzat Hakimi and Firhan Ashaari who are carrying injuries and might not recover in time.

“And if that happens, I will have to select three more players from the training pool,” said van Huizen.

Malaysia have a good chance of playing in the final of the Asia Cup, as they have beaten all their challengers, and only India are higher ranked.

Malaysia have never won the Asia Cup and their best is a third placing in 2007 in Chennai, India.

“Even though we have won against India, South Korea and China in recent matches, we can’t be overconfident as I believe the three will try to make comebacks.

“Yes, by ranking we are second in the tournament, but we will take it one match at a time as the format of play is not easy,” said van Huizen.

The eight teams will play in two groups, with the top-two in each group playing in a round robin.

“We need to be consistent in the three group matches, and also the three round robin matches to play in the final. The format will see the fittest team benefit and we are working on that as well,” said van Huizen. Jugjet Singh