Kabaddi WC 2016: Australia hammer Argentina to register first win

Australia produced an imperious performance as they brushed aside Argentina 68-45 to record their maiden victory in the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup here at the Arena by TranStadia last evening.

Kuldeep Singh attained a super 10 and scored 14 points for Australia whereas Jasvir Singh marshaled the defence superbly and ended with 11 points. Argentina put up a good fight in the second half but couldn't match the aggression of Australia. For Argentina, Mariano Pascual scored 10 points and was their best player on the night.

Australia made the bright start and their raiders made easy work of Argentina as they were up 7-3 after four minutes. Two minutes later, Australia inflicted the first all out to lead 12-4. Thomas Sharp was the most impressive raider for Australia in the first half. In defence, it was Jasvir Singh who meant business and contained the Argentine raiders extremely well.

Australia forced an all out in the 11th minute to lead 22-9 as Argentina struggled to match their opponents as Australia were quick, sharp and aggressive.

Kuldeep Singh chipped in with a useful all round performance in the first half and scored six points. Argentina's Nahuel Vilamayor scored four points in three minutes as Argentina trailed 17-31 after 18 minutes. Australia forced a super tackle in the 19th minute to lead 34-17. Australia scored 11 tackle points in the first half compared to Argentina's two and led 36-18 at the end of first half.

Argentina began the second half strongly and got three points in two minutes to trail 21-37. Kuldeep Singh, however, scored with a brilliant raid as Australia led 41-22 in the 23rd minute.

Australia inflicted another all out in the 27th minute to lead 49-27. Australia's skipper Campbell Brown scored two more points in 29th minute to give Australia 53-30. Adam Schneider was in excellent form and scored his ninth raid point in the 30th minute.

With less than five minutes to go Australia compounded Argentina's misery as they inflicted another all out to lead 64-36. Mariano Pascual scored with a two-point raid as Argentina trailed 42-67 after 38 minutes. It was a high-scoring affair as both teams combined to score 60 raid points between them. Argentina were much better in the second half but Australia were too good for them on the night and won 68-45.

Australia are now fifth in Group A with five points from three matches whereas Argentina remain winless and bottom of the table after two matches.