In a thrilling encounter in the Pro Kabaddi League at the DOME by NSCI in Mumbai, Bengaluru Bulls orchestrated a sensational last-minute victory against the three-time champions Patna Pirates, clinching a 35-33 win. The standout performer for the Bulls was veteran defender Surjeet Singh, who amassed an impressive 8 tackle points, overshadowing Patna Pirates skipper Neeraj Kumar’s 5 tackle points.
Bengaluru Bulls felt the absence of their ace raider Bharat right from the start. While the defense, spearheaded by captain Saurabh Nandal and Surjeet Singh, showcased formidable form, the team’s raiders struggled to contribute significantly in scoring. In contrast, Patna Pirates capitalized on their robust three-man raiding unit, achieving the first All-Out in the 14th minute and establishing a 16-8 lead.
The match saw a closely contested initial phase, but Bengaluru Bulls’ deficiency in raiding prowess was evident. Patna Pirates concluded the first half with a solid 20-12 lead, equally balanced with 9 tackle and 9 raid points, while Bengaluru Bulls managed only 3 raid points.
In an attempt to revitalize their offense, Bengaluru Bulls introduced raiders Sushil and Rakshith from the bench. However, their impact was limited. A significant moment came in the 27th minute when Neeraj Kumar's double ankle hold on Vikash Kandola widened Patna Pirates’ lead to 24-14. While Sachin Narwal emerged as a ray of hope for the Bulls with some quick points, Surjeet Singh’s High 5 momentarily narrowed the gap. But this was before Patna Pirates’ Sachin scored a decisive Super Raid, adding 3 points to their tally.
The game's dynamic shifted dramatically in the final moments. Bengaluru Bulls retaliated with two crucial Super Tackles from Surjeet and Ran Singh. Trailing by 8 points with a little over 3 minutes left, the Bulls made a bold move by re-introducing Sushil, who executed a spectacular two-point raid, reducing Patna Pirates to a single player.
Surjeet Singh then delivered a masterful tackle on Sandeep Kumar, resulting in an All-Out against Patna Pirates. This pivotal play not only earned Bengaluru Bulls three points but also handed them the lead, culminating in a remarkable comeback victory. This match not only highlighted the strategic depth of Bengaluru Bulls but also showcased the crucial role of experienced players like Surjeet Singh in turning the tide of a highly competitive game.
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