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Haryana Steelers confirmed their berth into the playoffs of the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 defeating Bengaluru Bulls by 37-26 in Match 105 of the ongoing tournament at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Stadium. It was a complete team effort for Haryana Steelers, with Vinay and Shivam Patare combining for 15 points, while Jaideep and Rahul got 4 tackle points each and Mohammadreza Shadloui scored 6 points to wrap up a comprehensive display.
It was a slow start to the game with the raider of both teams taking their time to find their groove in the opening exchanges. The defenders were on top, being successful on the Do-or-Die strategy to keep the scoreboard ticking. Sanjay and Rahul were doing the job for the Haryana Steelers on the defensive end, giving them a one-point lead with the score at 7-6 after the first quarter of the game.
Mohammadreza Shadloui got his first points on the board with a tackle on Jatin to extend his team’s lead to three points. Pardeep Narwal got the better of him soon after, getting his first points to keep Bengaluru Bulls within striking distance. However, Vinay inflicted an exceptional Super Raid, eliminating three opposition players to extend Haryana Steelers’ lead.
Despite being out of the playoff contention, Bengaluru Bulls showed the fighting spirit they possess. Jatin got two points on a Do-or-Die Raid for his side, while also breaching a milestone of a total of 4000 raid points in PKL11. After a sedate first half, Haryana Steelers had a four-point lead with the scoreline at 15-11.
Haryana Steelers were controlling proceedings at the start of the second half, almost on the verge of inflicting an ALL OUT, before Parteek executed a Super Raid for Bengaluru Bulls. Haryana Steelers eventually inflicted the ALL OUT on their opponents, extending their lead to nine points and taking a significant step towards sealing their qualification spot.
Ajinkya Pawar did exceptionally to execute a Super Raid for his side, but it was too late for the Bengaluru Bulls to make any sort of comeback by that stage. Sushil closed off on a high for a Bengaluru Bulls, getting a couple of raid points and a tackle. However, it was Haryana Steelers who emerged victorious with a scoreline of 37-26, becoming the first team to clinch their spot in the playoffs.
U Mumba vs Tamil Thalaivas
U Mumba registered a dominating win against Tamil Thalaivas in Match 106 of PKL 11, winning 47-31 at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Stadium. Led by Ajit Chouhan’s Super 10, Manjeet’s 9 points and Amir Mohammad Zafardanesh’s 8-point game, they completed 15-point rout as they jump back to second place on the points table.
It was a rollicking start for U Mumba who were breathing fire in the first six minutes, rocketing to a 9-0 lead. Amirmohammad Zafardanesh and Ajit Chouhan came out all guns blazing to put Tamil Thalaivas under pressure from the get-go and inflicted an ALL OUT without wasting much time at all.
Tamil Thalaivas responded strongly after having their backs against the wall, courtesy Moein Shafaghi getting some momentum for his side. They inflicted an ALL OUT of their own, closing the gap to make it a close contest after a rapid start to the game.
The two teams went back and forth in the closing stages of the first half, before U Mumba imposed themselves on their opponents again. The season two champions got their noses in front once more, inflicting another ALL OUT to close out the first half with a scoreline of 22-14.
Moein Shafaghi got a couple of points on a Do-or-Die Raid early in the second half to try and give Tamil Thalaivas some momentum as they looked to close the gap on the opposition. However, he was fighting a lone battle as U Mumba kept hold of their eight-point lead heading into the final ten minutes of the contest.
Ajit Chouhan and Manjeet carried on their superb raiding form, while Amirmohammad Zafardanesh also contributed on both ends of the mat, ensuring U Mumba stay on top in this contest. Ajit Chouhan completed his Super 10 as his team extended their lead to 13 points with under five minutes to go.
U Mumba inflicted a third ALL OUT on the Tamil Thalaivas, putting the result of the game beyond all doubt with an unassailable lead as the clock ran down. They continued pile on the misery on Tamil Thalaivas, eventually completing a 15 point rout as they move to second place on the points table. Meanwhile, Tamil Thalaivas now find themselves in a difficult spot, needing to win all their remaining matches to have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
