Kabaddi world cup:Semifinal line-up fixed – Thailand to take on India, Iran to fight Korea

Ahmedabad: In a thrilling encounter that fixed the semi final line-up of the Kabaddi World Cup,Thailand today edged Japan 37-33 in a thrilling encounter and earned a hard-fought spot in the final four.

With this win Thailand ( 20 points from 4 wins and 1 loss but the highest score difference of 82 ) topped the league round in Group B leaving behind last time runners up Iran ( an equal 20 points from 4 wins and 1 loss but score difference of 71) .

Thailand will now take on India (number 2 spot holder in Group A with 21 points from 4 wins and 1 loss) in the semi final whereas Republic of Korea (Top in Group A with 25 points from 5 out of 5 wins) will take on Iran in the second semi final. Both the semifinals will be played on October 21.

The final will be played on October 22. Defending Champion India had won both the editions of the World Cup played so far.

The crowd at TransStadia Arena was enthralled by a super performance by both teams but it was Thailand who held their nerve to edge out Japan. Thailand captain Khomsan Thongkham scored 10 points to lead his team to a thrilling win. Japan fought valiantly till the end but Thailand won points at crucial moments to win a tense encounter. Japan finished fourth with 12 points from five games. At the half time the score was 17-17.

In the second inconsequential match today on the last day of league round Bangladesh beat Argentina easily by 67 – 26 with nothing but pride at stake. Bangladesh, which had earned third position in both the earlier editions of the world cup ended their 2016 World Cup campaign in third spot in Group B with three wins and 16 points from five games. Argentina go back home without a single win against their name as they finished bottom of the Group B.

A total of 12 teams divided in two groups each of 6 teams participated in the league rounds of the world cup.

DeshGujarat