India defeats Bangladesh to become table toppers in pool A

Ajay Thakur and Pardeep Narwal's performances helped India beat Bangladesh convincingly

Hosts India thrashed Bangladesh 57-20 in the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad. The crucial encounter between the two teams turned out to be a one-sided affair as India dominated the game throughout. After securing their second win in the competition, India have become the table toppers in group A with 11 points in three games. India is closely followed by South Korea who have won both their previous encounters and have 10 points.

After South Korea caused an upset in the opening encounter of the World Cup, India’s back on winning ways as they defeated Australia and Bangladesh in succession. Against a competitive Bangladesh side, India’s defence outplayed Bangladesh’s raiders. India’s raider Ajay Thakur, who represents Puneri Paltan in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), scored 10 points in the game. 19-year-old raider Pardeep Narwal contributed to the team with his eight points. Narwal, who plays for the Patna Pirates in the PKL, opened India’s account with his raid.

All-rounder Sandeep Narwal’s tackle got India its second point of the game. Next, it was Indian captain Anup Kumar’s turn to showcase his skills. The 32-year-old raider chipped in with a bonus and followed it with another tackle point. In reply, Bangladesh’s Firdaus Sheikh made four tackle points and levelled the score to 4-4. The defence then stepped up and helped India gain a lead of four points. India inflicted their first all out in the 10th minute with the scoreline being 13-4. Pardeep Narwal’s rich form helped India to get an 11-point lead with the score being 17-6.

Ajay Thakur came in as a substitute and scored five points in quick succession. The second all out for Bangladesh was imposed in the 18th minute with India leading 24-9. By the time the first half ended, India had a 17 margin lead with the score being 27-10.

Owing to Thakur’s raiding skills, India continued to dominate in the second half. After attaining an unassailable lead, India tested their bench strength as Surender Nada and Nitin Tomar were brought in.

A third all out was inflicted by India in the 29th minute. With five minutes left in the play, Nada, who is a defender for the Bengaluru Bulls in the PKL, scored four more tackle points. He helped in imposing another all out. Fourth of the game for the Bangladesh team. India recorded a comfortable win with a 37 point lead when the final whistle was blown.

Table toppers India will play Argentina in their next match on Saturday. Railway minister Suresh Prabhu congratulated the team on their achievement.

The Indian team dedicated their previous win against Australia to the armed forces who continue to serve the country despite all odds.

  • (Cover Video Courtesy: YouTube.com/Star Sports)
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