Pakistani player Faisal Iqbal (L) competes for the ball with Bangladeshi football player Mohammad Nilkon (R) in the rain during the first round 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka on June 29, 2011. Bangladesh scored 3-0. – Photo by AFP

DHAKA: Pakistan coach Tariq Lutfi says the national team lost 3-0 to Bangladesh in the 2014 World Cup qualifier at the rain-soaked Bangabandhu National Stadium under floodlight Wednesday because of ‘unplayable conditions due to rain.’

“I told the match referee to stop the play before start of the match as the ground was heavy due to rain. I also tried to communicate with the match commissioner regarding the matter but he was out of reach.

“We would also put a written complain to FIFA and the match commissioner regarding the condition of the ground,” Lutfi said.

Striker Zahid Hasan Emily, Zahid Hossain and Rezaul Karim scored one goal each for Bangladesh, who were leading 2-0 at half-time.

It was difficult for any team to play normal game in the slippery ground, but Bangladesh dominated proceedings by playing excellent football that entertained the crowd, who came to support their team despite the heavy rain.

Although Pakistan produced series of attacks in the beginning of the match, but they also missed at least a dozen easy scoring chances.

Bangladesh skipper Biplob Bhattacharjee said it was the result of “total team effort.” He was confident his team will maintain their winning run in their away match against Pakistan in Lahore on July 3.