BSS, Dhaka :
Bangladesh stormed into the final for the second consecutive occasion of the second Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament when they defeated Iraq by 55-36 points in the second semifinal, which was held on Wednesday at Shaheed Nur Hossain National Volleyball Stadium in the city.
The holders will now meet last year’s finalists Kenya in the final in a mission to retain the title. The final is scheduled to be held today at the same venue at 5 pm.
Bangladesh returned to court strong after a cautious first half and continued their dominance with almost attack. Skipper Tuhin Tarafder, raider Arduzzaman Munshi and Zakir displayed fantastic form to make all the difference for the host.
Bangladesh started strong with Arduzzaman Munshi starting the tally with two successful raids however Iraq also hit back with two successful catches and at the end of the 5th minute Bangladesh was leading 6-4.
Iraq tied the score 10-10 in the 12th minute with Hasan Faez Balbool registering three points a brilliant raid in the 18th minute by Tuhin Tarafder saw Bangladesh win two points and the first ‘lona’ of the match running to a lead of by 20-12 points.
Bangladesh won the second ‘lona’ in the 18th minute to take their lead to 30- 15. Bangladesh led the first half by 30-17 points.
Zakir Hossain of Bangladesh was adjudged the best p[layer of the match for his impressive performance and received a cash prize of Taka ten thousand.
Earlier on the day, defending runners-up Kenya reached the final of the tournament eliminating Sri Lanka by 49-29 points with three creditable ‘lonas’ in the first semifinal.
Aslam Saja started the point tally for the Islanders with a brilliant raid in the second minute, but Kenya staged a brilliant fight back to 8-6 lead at the end of the 10th minute and got three bonus points with the first ‘lona’. And from that point, Kenya started to start their dominance. In the 15th minute, Kenya registered their second ‘lona’ and at the end of the first half Kenya were leading by 26-12 points.
Kenyan raider Victor Oniengo Obiero was brilliant form from the very beginning of the match.
