Bangladesh women’s kabaddi team ended the five match Test series with a narrow 25-21 defeat against Nepal at the National Kabaddi Stadium in Paltan on Thursday. Despite the loss, the hosts secured the series 3-2 after winning the opening three matches.
The final contest had no impact on the overall result. Bangladesh had already wrapped up the series before the last fixture, but both teams produced a competitive display from the opening whistle.
Nepal held a slender 12-11 advantage at half time after an evenly contested first period. Bangladesh stayed within touching distance throughout and continued to challenge the visitors after the restart.
The match remained finely balanced in the second half. Both sides were level at 17-17 before Bangladesh briefly took control through an excellent raid from Mabe Chakma. Her three point effort handed the hosts the lead and raised hopes of another victory.
However, Nepal responded strongly during the closing stages. The visitors forced Bangladesh all out to collect five valuable points and swing the momentum in their favour. Nepal then held firm to secure a four point victory and finish the series on a positive note.
Although Bangladesh fell short in the final Test, the defeat did little to overshadow an impressive series. The home side showed consistency across the first four matches to build an unassailable lead before Thursday’s encounter.
Bristi Khatun received the player of the series award after delivering a series of influential performances throughout the competition. Nepal captain Menuka Kumari was named player of the match for her contribution in the final Test.
Bangladesh will take confidence from winning the series against one of the region’s strongest kabaddi nations. While Nepal claimed the final match, the hosts achieved their main objective by lifting the series trophy in front of their home supporters.
