Photo: TDM
Holder Bangladesh emerged champions of group A with a hard fought 49-33 victory over Iraq in the Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi on Saturday (18 March). Iraq also took the court with four back to back victories but crashed into their first defeat of meet.
Bangladesh made it five of five in the group to finish atop with 10 points. Iraq finished runners-up with eight points Bangladesh will face the runners up of group B in the first semifinal while Iraq will lock hors with the champion of group A in the second semifinal.
Bangladesh had a slow start but gradually regained the rhythm with overall teamwork. The first five minutes saw some neck to neck duels but Bangladesh inflicted the first allout or Lona in the sixth minute. Experienced raider Arduzzaman initiated efficient attacks while Tuhin Tarafder and Mizanur Rahman was witty in their raids.
Iraq skipper Sabir Aloi Sari created some headache for Bangladesh defence with his height and long limbed kicks. In the 16th minute Bangladesh was reduced to three against Iraq’s seven. But a super raid of Mizanur Rahman saw three Iraqi players out and three Bangladesh players back into the court. Bangladesh led the first half 28-13.
After the change of ends Bangladesh concentrated upon maintaining the lead with cautious approach. Iraq tried hard but failed to overcome the tactical net of the hosts. Tuhin Tarafder and Arduzzaman both scored nine points each but Tuhin was grabbed the glittering trophy and the purse of BDT 10000 allocated for the Man of the Match.
Daily Messenger/MI
