Bangladesh celebrate their win over Austria on December 08, 2025. Photo: BHF

Amirul Islam hit his fifth hattrick of the tournament as Bangladesh ended their FIH Hockey Junior World Cup campaign on a high, beating Austria 5-4 in Madurai today to secure 17th place out of 24 teams.

As the best finisher among the bottom eight nations, they were awarded the Challenger Trophy, introduced by the International Hockey Federation to recognise emerging teams.

Bangladesh controlled much of the match, though Austria mounted a late push in the final quarter but the men in red and green held firm to clinch their third straight win in the classification phase.

Boosted by a 5-3 victory over South Korea in their previous match, Siegfried Aikman's side started confidently.

Amirul converted a penalty corner in the 15th minute, and Hozifa Hossain added another from a set-piece in the 27th.

Bangladesh's Amirul in action. Photo: FIH

Rakibul Hasan capitalised on a defensive error early in the second half to make it 3-0.

Austria pulled one back in the 44th minute through Andor Losonci, but Bangladesh quickly restored their three-goal cushion when Amirul scored from a penalty stroke.

Austria continued to press and converted three late chances, including two penalty strokes, to narrow the gap to 5-4.

Bangladesh, however, held their composure in the final moments to seal the win and lift the Challenger Trophy.