Bangladesh secured the third position in the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup after a 25-18 points loss to Chinese Taipei in the second semi-final held at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur. In the previous Women’s World Cup in Patna in 2012, Bangladesh had finished fifth.
This time, Bangladesh’s third-place finish was due to their smaller point difference in the semi-finals compared to Iran. While Iran suffered a 12-point loss to India in the first semi-final, Bangladesh’s defeat to Chinese Taipei was by seven points, enabling them to surpass Iran’s ranking from the previous edition.
During the match, Bangladesh’s captain Rupali Akter, playing her final international game, failed to score in her initial raid. Chinese Taipei took an early lead when Smriti Akter conceded a point through a tackle. Bangladesh quickly responded, earning a bonus point in the third minute and taking the lead at 5-4 in the eighth minute after a successful raid by Sraboni Mallik.
Chinese Taipei, previously eliminated in the inaugural edition’s group stage, displayed dominance in this tournament. They led 9-8 at halftime, with Bangladesh successfully reducing the deficit with a superb tackle just before the break.
In the second half, Bangladesh briefly took a 10-8 lead before Chinese Taipei leveled the score at 10-10. Chinese Taipei then seized control, executing an all-out on Bangladesh in the fifth minute to go up 15-12. They maintained their dominance and secured a 25-18 victory.
Chinese Taipei will now face India, the reigning champions of the 1st Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, in the final on Monday. India emerged victorious against Iran in the first semi-final.