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Defending champions Bengal Warriors could not have asked for a better start to their title defence after they secured an intrepid 38-33 victory against U.P. Yoddha on the opening day of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 8, played in Bengaluru on Wednesday (December 22).
Bengal’s Mohammad Nabibakhsh turned out to be the best raider of the match after he scored eight crucial points. But the Iranian’s all-round performance did not stop there after he bagged three tackle points as well. The 30-year old exhibited a stunning all-round show to help his side get off to a perfect start in season eight.
On the other hand, all eyes were on Pardeep Narwal as the star raider had an uneven debut for the U.P. side. Narwal bagged eight raid points but failed to earn victory for his franchise.
A swift start
From the very beginning Warriors looked solid and successfully managed to keep Narwal quiet. But the Sonepat-born player soon changed the momentum after scoring his first touch point in a do-or-die raid and minutes later he scored a two-pointer to pull his opponents down to three men.
Minutes later, a brilliant take down by Maninder Singh helped his side to score the equalizer (15-15) against Warriors. Singh managed to score another take down in the first half- third time in previous six raids. Both the teams ended the first half on equal terms (20-20).
Second half saw a total domination by Nabibakhsh after he managed a third take down on Narwal. Moments later, a four-point super raid by Nabibakhsh helped his side to gain a lead 25-19.
In next five minutes, Warriors displayed a terrific show with scoring four points and restricting their opponents within just one additional point.
A possible comeback?
U.P. did try to get things back in order late in the game but Warriors put up a formidable show eventually to seal the victory.
Earlier, in the first match of the day, Abhishek Singh was the best player for U Mumba as they defeated Bengaluru Bulls 46-30 in the PKL season opener.
The second match of the day, between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas ended in a tie.
