The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Women's Handball team reached the final of the four-team 3rd South Asian Handball Championship beating Pakistan by 23-16 goals in the last league match in Lucknow on Sunday morning.

With this feat, Bangladesh reached their initial target and now even hope for a dream result upsetting hosts India for the first time.

Maina Begum and Kamrun Nahar Sheela, both from Tetulia of Panchaghar district, scored eight goals each for Bangladesh which dominated the first half 11-7.

Bangladesh, which finished runners-up in the 2nd version of the meet at home in 2000, will again play the final against holders India on Sunday night at 8:30 pm Bangladesh time at the same venue.

India marched to the final with all-win record securing full six points from three matches.

Bangladesh managed the final berth with four points after conceding a 7-28 goals defeat against India in their first match on Saturday morning. But they returned to the title race outplaying all-losers Nepal by 33-8 goals after dominating the first half 18-1 on Saturday night and confirmed the final berth outplaying Pakistan on Sunday morning.

Earlier, in the league basis matches, India made a flying start outclassed Nepal by 33-4 goals on Friday, Pakistan outplayed Nepal by 29-7 goals, while India crushed Pakistan by 43-7 goals on Saturday.