In a thrilling encounter, three-time champions Patna Pirates booked their spot in the semifinals of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 10th season. The Pirates defeated Dabang Delhi 37-35 in a nail-biting Eliminator-1 clash held at the GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium (Gachibowli) on Monday. With this victory, Patna now gears up to face Puneri Paltan on February 28 in the semifinal showdown.
Malik’s Stellar Performance
Leading from the front, captain Ashu Malik amassed the highest points for Dabang Delhi with 19 points, while no other player could match his performance. For Patna, Sachin notched up nine, Manjeet and Sudhakar secured five points each, and Sandeep Kumar contributed with five points as well.
Patna’s Start
Patna Pirates, the three-time champions, made a blistering start, with Sachin Tanwar earning two crucial points in the very first raid. They held a 4-4 draw against the season 8 champions Delhi within the first five minutes. After Delhi managed to take a solitary lead point, Patna swiftly regained momentum with a crucial point in a do-or-die raid, securing a lead.
Haryana Steelers’ Dominance
Meanwhile, Haryana Steelers continued their impressive run, securing a spot in the semifinals of PKL for the first time. Haryana defeated Gujarat Giants convincingly with a scoreline of 42-25 in the Eliminator-2 clash held at Gachibowli. Now, Haryana faces reigning champions Jaipur Pink Panthers in the semifinals on February 28.
Key Players
For Haryana Steelers, Vinay secured 12 points, Mohit Nandal grabbed seven, and Shivam Patil added eight points to their tally. Gujarat’s Pardeep Dahiya contributed with five points, while Rakesh added five more to the team’s total.
Intense Battles
Both matches witnessed intense battles, with teams trading points back and forth. Haryana Steelers took an early lead of 5-3, showcasing stellar defense and extending it to 9-4 by the seventh minute. Despite Gujarat’s efforts to stage a comeback, Haryana maintained their lead, leading 21-16 by halftime.
Summary
In a thrilling showcase of talent and resilience, both Patna Pirates and Haryana Steelers have clinched victories, cementing their positions in the semifinals of PKL 10. The performances of these two teams have captivated fans, who now eagerly await their forthcoming matchups as the excitement of the tournament reaches new heights.
