Bangladesh have overpowered China 5-2 to claim their third straight victory in the U-18 Asia Cup Hockey, tightening their grip on the top spot in Pool A.

From the very first quarter, Bangladesh stamped their authority with a quick two-goal lead that put China on the back foot in front of their home crowd in Dazhu on Sunday, reports bdnews24.com.

Although the hosts threatened a fightback with a goal in the third quarter, Bangladesh’s relentless attack quashed any hopes of a comeback.

Ismail Din opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a clinical field goal, before Bishal Ahmed doubled the advantage soon after.

Despite a goalless second quarter, Bangladesh kept their composure.

China pulled one back after the break, but goals from Johnny Islam, Ismail again, and Amit Hasan restored Bangladesh’s dominance.

China managed a consolation goal in the final quarter, but it barely dented the visitors’ confident display.

The 5-2 triumph followed Bangladesh’s emphatic 13-0 demolition of Sri Lanka and their 3-0 win over Hong Kong in earlier matches.

With nine points from three games, Bangladesh sit comfortably at the top of Pool A. They next face arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.