I Bangladesh women's kabaddi

r team confirmed at least a silver medal after reaching the final [y of the 11th South Asian (SA) Games while the men's team brightened their chances of

playing in the final with their second successive victory at the Outer Stadium Kabaddi Court yesterday.

The women's team, that on Sunday defeated Nepal comfortably in their first match, recorded another impressive 35-20 win over Sri Lanka to seal the final berth. The girls got off to a flying start and went 12-3 up at one stage in the first half before Sri Lanka earned a Iona and the half finished 20-9 in favour of the hosts.

Sri Lanka put up a spirited show in the second half and reduced the arrears scoring six successive points. At one stage they were just six points behind the hosts with only four minutes left in the game.

The hosts, however, defied the Lankan challenge and took the game beyond the islanders' reach scoring nine points in quick time with a Iona in the last minute to confirm the final's berth.

Suffering their second successive defeat, Sri Lanka are out of running for any medals and will now take on Nepal which is only of academic interest.

"I am happy with the performance the girls put up today [Monday] as they have confirmed at least a silver beating Sri Lanka," said coach Abdul Hakim, who praised captain Farhana, Fatema and Hasna.

Farhana was also happy after confirming the

silver medal.

"We knew that we would be able to beat Sri Lanka easily, but they bounced back in the second half when we were a bit excited after having taken a huge lead, but we finally controlled the adrenaline to finish the game on a high note," said Farhana.

Bangladesh women's team will play their last group match against favourites India today.

Though Sri Lanka's women produced some resistance, their men surrendered to Bangladesh without much of a fight. Bangladesh won the game by 36-15 points after dominating the first half20-05.

“We didn't take any risk in the second half following a 20-5 lead in the first and Sri Lanka capitalised on that opportunity to come back in the game. However, it was not threatening for us," said coach Abdul Jalil.

Jalil believes the match against Pakistan would be crucial to confirming the final as Pakistan put up a brave show against champions India.

"The boys played far better against Sri Lanka compared to the game against Nepal the other day and if the boys can carry this performance against Pakistan, it will not be a tough match for us," said Jalil.

In the men's event, Pakistan scared holders India before going down 19-15.

India dominated the first half with a 13-5 lead but they faced tough challenge from the Pakistanis, who reduced the arrears to 12-16 at one stage with a creditable Iona. India however finally won the game and brightened their chances of playing in the final.

Bangladesh will take on Pakistan today and face India on January 3.