DHAKA, July 15, 2025 (BSS) - Shanti Mardi slammed a brilliant hat-trick as defending champions Bangladesh registered their third successive wins in the four-nation SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship beating lowly Bhutan by 4-1 goals in the rain-hit encounter today (Tuesday).

The first half of the match held at Bashundhara Kings Arena but due to unplayable condition of the ground following heavy shower in the capital, the match was halted nearly three hours and eventually the second half of the match was shifted to Bashundhara Kings arena practice ground, which is situated beside the tournament venue. Everyone witnessed a rare event - one match in two venues. 

The day’s win saw, Bangladesh maintained their domination the points table with nine points from three matches while Bhutan yet to secure any points playing the same number of outings.  
 
The breakthrough came early when midfielder Shanti Mardi scored the first goal for Bangladesh in the 7th minute.

After the breather, Bhutan staged a brilliant fight back when Sangay restored the parity in the 53rd minute of the match.

Shanti scored her second for Bangladesh in the 57th and Munki Akter made the score line 3-1 in the 76th minute. Shanti Mardi sealed the victory completing her first international hat-trick goal in the 79th minute of the match.    

Earlier, the tournament favorite Bangladesh thrashed Sri Lanka by 9-1 goals and edged past Nepal by 3-2 goals. Bangladesh will play their remaining matches against Bhutan (July 17), Sri Lanka (July 19) and then Nepal (July 21).

Only four teams —- Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka --are participating in the 6th edition of the tournament. The team that tops the league table after a double round-robin will be crowned champion.