Thailand advanced to the semifinal of the Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament for the 2nd consecutive times eliminating Iraq by 44-42 points with two lonas in a nail biting match at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.

With the day's feat, Thailand finished Group B runners-up securing eight points from all five group matches and will play the first semifinal against three times champions and hosts Bangladesh on Sunday (June 2) at 4 pm. 

Two-time runners-up Kenya, which emerged Group B champions will play the 2nd semifinal against Group A runners-up Nepal  at 5 pm also on Sunday (June 2).

Bangladesh reached the semifinal as the Group A champions with all win record securing full ten points from straight five matches while Nepal advanced to the semifinal as Group A runners-up with eight points from five outings. 

Bangabandhu Int'l Kabaddi: Holders Bangladesh end as group champions beating Nepal

Ahead of the Sunday's semifinal, Bangladesh coach Subimal Chandra Das is confident of winning the semifinal. 

“Thailand is a tough opponent,  Bangladesh has achieved the glory of being champion in the last three editions and  the trend will continue also this time” said Subimal Chandra.

Thailand manager Ravindra Shetty said “Tomorrow is a big day for us as we will play against defending champions Bangladesh. We finished third last time and this time we will look to the situations"

"Bangladesh is a good team and good enough in their home ground. Bangladesh have played well so its a big day for us" he added.

The final match will be held on Monday (June 3).

Bangabandhu Int'l Kabaddi: Holders Bangladesh storm into semifinal outplaying Poland 79-28

In Sunday's first match, Thailand dominated the first half by  28-24 points.

Nophadon Pontaisong of Thailand scored 13 points helping his team to register the crucial victory and was adjudged man of the match.

In the day's other match, Sri Lanka finished the group encounters with a 44-22 points win over Japan featuring  three lonas at the same venue Saturday. 

The winning team led the first half 19-11 points.

Lankan captain Milinda Chathuranga was adjudged the man of the match for scoring 15 points.

In the day's other match, Indonesia defeated Malaysia by 57-36 points with three lonas after leading the first half by 31-14 points at the same venue Saturday evening.

Bangabandhu Int'l Kabaddi: Nepal pile up biggest victory outplaying Poland

Although Malaysia lost the match, they also earned a lona in the day's match.

Indonesian raider Suastika was named as  the man of the match for his contribution for the match win.