KARACHI: Pakistan set a date with archrivals India in the final of the inaugural Circle Kabaddi World Cup after they defeated Italy in the semifinal held at the Sports Stadium in Bhatinda, India, on Saturday.

As per details, Pakistan played in a disciplined fashion, giving no opportunity to their opponents to settle down at any stage of the show, and in the end sealed a convincing 57-33 victory.

“Our team played with real spirit against Italy. It was a team effort in which every one put up his best and the result is encouraging,” the secretary of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Muhammad Sarwar told ‘The News’ during a telephonic talk from Bhatinda.

Pakistan have been undefeated so far in the Rs20.2 million prize money event, as before the semifinal they had recorded convincing victories over strong Canada, Spain and England in the group matches.

Sarwar was optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of lifting the coveted trophy. “Though it would be tough fight in the final as India will have home advantage, we will go all out to win the title,” Sarwar said.

He disclosed that all the referees supervising the championship belong to India, saying, the Pakistani boys will have to extend something extraordinary in the grand finale which will be held in Ludhiana on Monday.

To a query, Sarwar, who is also the secretary of the Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF), said that the Indian crowd supported Pakistan in their matches against the rest of the nations.

“Yes, we were strongly backed by the crowd in league matches but naturally we will not expect that in the final as India will be there with us,” Sarwar said.

He said that defender Musharraf Javed has received an elbow injury but was quick to add that the injury is not so deep and he will be available for the final. The winners of the final will be handed over a handsome purse of Rs10 million while the runners-up will go away with Rs 5,100,000. Earlier, India defeated Canada in the second semifinal.