Jaipur Pink Panthers clinched a thrilling 38-35 victory over Telugu Titans in the Pro Kabaddi League, marking a spectacular start to their home leg at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur on Friday. Spearheading the Panthers’ triumph was the season’s standout raider, Arjun Deshwal, who amassed a remarkable 14 raid points, including a Super 10. Despite a valiant effort by Telugu Titans’ captain Pawan Sehrawat, who gathered 12 points, it wasn’t enough to secure a win for his team.
From the outset, Arjun Deshwal demonstrated his prowess, making an impact with his very first raid. His efforts were complemented by the solid defensive skills of Ankush and Reza Mirbagheri, propelling the Panthers to a 9-5 advantage early on. A pivotal moment came when Arjun skillfully evaded Hamid Nader and Nitin, leading to the Titans’ first All-Out and a 14-6 lead in the 13th minute.
The Panthers’ dominance continued, and within just 5 minutes, they inflicted a second All-Out, largely due to Arjun's relentless raiding, which saw him achieve his Super 10. Ankush’s aggressive play was also crucial, particularly in a move that sent Pawan Sehrawat off the mat. The Titans found themselves trailing significantly at 27-8 by halftime, with their captain sidelined for over 7 minutes.
The second half saw a revitalized effort from the Titans, with Sandeep Dhull spearheading a defensive resurgence. Their improved play led to a series of successful tackles and an All-Out against the Panthers, narrowing the gap to 33-21 with 10 minutes remaining. Pawan Sehrawat elevated his game, racking up points in consecutive raids and executing a stunning tackle against V Ajith Kumar.
As the Titans gained momentum, Jaipur Pink Panthers faced intense pressure, their lead dwindling. Telugu Titans’ remarkable comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit, culminated in another All-Out, bringing them within just 5 points of the Panthers.
In the final minutes, the Titans further closed the gap to three points, but Jaipur Pink Panthers held firm. Their resilience ensured a victorious start to their home leg and extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches, illustrating their strength and tactical acumen in this high-stakes Kabaddi encounter.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Pro Kabaddi League: Puneri Paltan's strategic prowess leads to overwhelming victory against Gujarat Giants
Pro Kabaddi League: Narender rocks as Tamil Thalaivas rout UP Yoddhas; U Mumba, Haryana Steelers play out dramatic stalemate
