Winning starts for Pakistan, Bangladesh

Hosts Bangladesh also enjoyed a flying start as they defeated Bhutan 2-0 in Group A's second match of the day.

It was a great start to Pakistan's campaign as Nepal had started the brighter of the two sides and came close to scoring on several occassions.

However, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead into half-time break after Nepal’s Biraj Maharjan brought Mohammad Riaz down in the box in the 36th minute. Hassan Bashir easily converted.

Nepal pressed for the equaliser but only drew level in the 82nd minute, with Bimal Magar finding the back of the net.

Just when a draw seemed the likely result, Ali scored off a speedy counter attack to seal all three points for Pakistan.