India blank Bangladesh 4-0 in SAF hockey, meet Pakistan in final

Colombo, Aug 23 (UNI) The Indian hockey juggernaut crushed Bangladesh 4-0 to register their third straight victory which pits them against arch-rival Pakistan in Friday's final of the 10th SAF Games at the Nandimithra Ekanayake Ground at Matale.

India had already booked a final berth before today's match while Pakistan pounded Sri Lanka 8-1 in another match to set up a summit clash with India.

Already assured of at least the silver medal after booking a final berth, India today scored through Raghunath (3rd minute), Roshan Minz (24th), Sandeep Michael (65th) and Dhananjay Mahadik (70th).

India had begun their campaign with a 2-0 win against arch-rivals Pakistan and decimated Sri Lanka in the next match yesterday by a whopping 9-1 margin.

Against Bangladesh too, India showed the same ominous form and took an early lead when Raghunath once again underlined his growing reputation as a penalty corner specialist.

Roshan Minz buttressed the lead with a field goal in the 24th minute as India went into the breather with a 2-0 cushion.

Bangladesh tried their best but just could not breach the Indian defence and in the second half, their citadel crumbled twice as India emerged victorious by a 4-0 margin.

Against Pakistan, India would like to repeat their league match performance while the neighbours would be baying for a revenge in Friday's final.

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