Defending champions Bangladesh emerged Group A champions to reach the semifinal of the 12-nation Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament with all win record beating Nepal by 46-31 points in a hard-fought match at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Friday.

Three times champions Bangladesh leading the first half by 18-14 points against the Himalayan nation Nepal

With the day's 5th consecutive victory,  Bangladesh clinched group title securing full ten points from straight five matches while Nepal also advanced to the semifinal as group runners-up with eight points from give outings, despite the day's maiden defeat.

Bangladesh had to sweat hard as Nepal appeared to be tougher than expected by Arduzzaman and Co. However, the teamwork assisted the holders to make it five in a row.

Mizanur Rahman, the main raider of Bangladesh, displayed his brilliance again in the day's match, scoring 20 points and was adjudged man of the match.

The fiercely competitive day's affair saw the scoreline 9-9 at the end of the  ten minute. The score line proceeded with 13-13, 14-13, 14-14 with players going out and coming in.

However, Bangladesh kept their cool at the finishing stage of the first half and managed to take a lead of 18-14 when the referees signaled the pause and asked to change the ends.

Bangladesh will face the Group B runners up in the semifinal while Nepal meet the Group B champions in the semifinal. The champions and runners up of Group B will be decided on Saturday.

In the day's another match, two-time runners-up Kenya reached the semifinals of the fourth edition of the Bangabandhu Cup Kabaddi beating stronger Thailand by 33-32 points with one lona in a keenly contest match at the same venue on Friday

Kenya led the first half by 20-16.

Kenya raider Samuel Wanjala Wafula, who scored 12 points was adjudged the man of the match.