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The final match of the group stage of the Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 took place between Pakistan and Kenya at the Al Wasl Sports Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The two sides met for the second time in the tournament and fought for a spot in the final four after India had secured their place after four wins from four matches.
Pakistan had beaten Kenya in the first encounter between the two sides with a comprehensive scoreline of 43-21. However, their momentum took a dip when they were run over by the Indian side last night in a massive 41-17 victory.
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Kenya were hoping to turn around their fortunes and score their first win at the Kabaddi Masters Dubai but had a tough task at their hand.
Pakistan came into the match with a strong lineup led by their experienced skipper Nasir Ali. The left corner defender Ali had his partner Wasim Sajjad at the other corner who has had a good tournament in defense so far.
Pakistan's raiding has been handled by Mudassar Ali and Muhammad Imran who have been solid for the Asian side. Kenya had to win the match with a margin of more than 35 points to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
Pakistan defeated the Kenyan side with a comfortable scoreline of 42-20 as Muhammad Nadeem and Akhlaq Hussain shine for the Asians in the final group game. Pakistan will take on Iran in the semi-finals of the Kabaddi Masters on Friday.
#1 Pakistan run away into a strong lead quickly
Pakistan were expected to put up a strong front against the African side and emulate their form from the previous encounter and they stayed true to that expectation.
Despite the absence of the experienced corner defender Wasim Sajjad, the Pakistan defence led by Nasir Ali stood strong and did not allow any space for the Kenyan raiders on the mat. Akhlaq Hussain was chosen in place of Sajjad in the final seven and proved the coach's faith in him with a strong performance.
#2 Pakistani raiders make life difficult for the Kenya defenders
Pakistan's raiders Muhammad Nadeem and Mudassar Ali had taken the mantle of leading the attack against the Kenyans and score timely points to finish above the Kenyans in the table.
The Kenyans had to win the match by a huge margin and the raiders had to be extra careful considering that Kenya will be out to use their defence well to restrict them. Muhammad Nadeem started with a bang as he ran riot on the Kenyan defence with smart raiding skills to notch up points with ease.
#3 Akhlaq Hussain gets the High 5
Right corner defender Wasim Sajjad was rested by the Pakistani coach for tonight's match as a precaution for the upcoming semi-final encounter against the Iranians.
His replacement tonight, Akhlaq Hussain had big shoes to fill as he had to pair up with the captain Nasir Ali to effect the tackles from the corner.
Akhlaq Hussain rose to the occasion and proved his mettle as he put in brave tackles on the mat to keep out the Kenyan raiders. He was active all over the mat, executing body and ankle holds and putting in strong dashes as well. Hussain finally managed to get his 'High 5' on the night capping off a solid performance.
#4 Kenya's James Kamweti shines with his Super Raid
Kenya found it tough to get going in the match as Pakistan had taken the control at the end of the first half with a good lead.
They continued the momentum going into the second half as the raiders made life difficult for the African side to mount a comeback in any slight hopes of making the semi-finals of the Kabaddi Masters.
However, the Kenyan side had a silver ling in their side in the shape of James Kamweti as he raided with confidence against the Pakistan side in the second half of the match.
At one juncture in the second half, Kenya was down to just two men on the mat and James Kamweti stepped up to raid.
He managed to get three Pakistani defenders out making use of his lanky frame as he stumbled to the mid-line despite being caught in a double-ankle hold.
This 'Super Raid' was a rare moment of dominance shown by the Kenyan side on the mat tonight against Pakistan.
#5 Muhammad Nadeem scores a Super 10 for Pakistan
Muhammad Nadeem was the lead raider on the mat for the Pakistan side and managed to keep the Kenyan defenders on their toes with a strong showing.
He began with smart raids getting points at quick intervals and not allowing the Kenyan defenders to figure out his strategy.
Nadeem's night was capped off on a high note as he scored a 'Super 10' which will definitely boost his confidence going into the semi-final against the mighty Iranian side.
What did you think about the performance shown by Pakistan so far? Sound off your opinion in the comments section below!
