Sports Desk:

Hosts Bangladesh smartly qualified for final of the 12-nation Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament for the 4th consecutive times eliminating Thailand by 41-18 point with three lonas in the first semifnal at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.

Bangladesh reached the final of the last edition of the tournament also beating Thailand in the semifinal by 45-26 point.

Last three-time champions Bangladesh will play final on Monday at 4 pm against their South Asian rivals Nepal, who eliminated two-time runners up Kenya by 59-55 point in the 2nd semifinal in tie breaker.

Kenya dominated the first half by 27-20 point

Bangladesh emerged Group A champions to reach semfinal beating Himalayan nation Nepal by 46-31 point in the last Group A match

Kenya emerged Group B champions with all- win record to book a seat for the semifinal securing full ten points from five group matches while Nepal managed a semifinal berth as the Group A runners-up with eight points from five outings.

Earlier in the day’s first semifinal, hosts Bangladesh clearly dominated over the Thailand in the first half by 23-8 poins.

Bangladeshi offence and defence line up performed their job brilliantly all through in the match furstrating their Thai opponents.

Bangladesh captain Arduzzaman Munshi, displayed his brilliance from the very first raid sending three Thailand players to the sideline to raise the confidence level of the team.

Arduzzaman Munshi led from the front scoring 11 points and was adjudged the man of the match award while ace raider Mizanur Rahman scored 8 points Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Sanjida Khanam MP and Editor of Dainik Jugantor Saiful Alam distributed the man of the match award to Arduzzaman Munshi.

Bangladesh defense led by Roman Hossain also propelled the team with efficient catches with Thailand raiders feeling the heat.

Earlier, Bangladesh reached the semifinal as the Group A champions with all win record securing full ten points from straight five matches while Thailand booked a seat for the semifinal as the Group B runners-up securing eight points from all five group matches.