Bangladesh’s women secured a place in the final of the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy handball tournament with a convincing 33–20 victory over the Maldives, building an 11-goal lead in the first half to put the match beyond their opponents’ reach.

The hosts led 16–5 at half-time in the match held today at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali Stadium in Paltan, Dhaka. The Maldives fought back in the second half and made the contest more competitive, scoring 15 goals against Bangladesh’s 17. However, the hosts’ commanding first-half performance proved decisive, as Ana Alonso Fraguas’s side comfortably secured the win.

Mosammat Sanjida Akter played a key role in Bangladesh’s victory, scoring eight goals to earn the Player of the Match award.

Bangladesh began their campaign with a 33–20 win over Nepal but suffered a heavy 47–13 defeat against tournament favourites India in their next match. As a result, the hosts needed a victory against the Maldives in their final round-robin fixture to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

Bangladesh rose to the occasion, securing a comfortable win and setting up a title clash with India.

Bangladesh will face India in the final at 3:00 pm on Thursday. The Maldives and Nepal will compete for the bronze medal at 2:00 pm on Wednesday.