Jaipur Pink Panthers outclassed Dabang Delhi K.C. by 30-28 in a closely-contested Match 46 of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 on Monday (January 10). Jaipur-based franchise caused a major upset by defeating the mighty Dabang Delhi.
Naveen Kumar and Arjun Deshwal, who were both on Super 10 streaks for their respective teams, failed to cross the milestone in the tactical warfare. But coach Sanjeev Baliyan and his Pink Panthers had the last laugh with Sahul Kumar picking up a High five (eight tackle points) and Deepak Hooda getting nine raid points. Arjun Deshwal chipped in too four raid points.
Shaul Kumar bagged seven tackle points and one bonus point. Sandeep Dhull scored three while Amit scored one tackle point. For Delhi, Naveen grabbed seven tackle points in the game.
Deshwal started the proceedings for Pink Panthers in the first half and was taken down by Delhi defense. Delhi started with their experienced defensive line-up charged up for the match. By the 10th minute, they had managed to reduce Jaipur to just three men on the mat. Both sides matched each other in an intense end to the half that saw Naveen survive two injury scares. The scores were level at 12-12 at the interval with both sides failing to inflict All Out.
Delhi started the second half brightly and got an All Out in the fifth minute. Their five-point lead did not last long however, with Jaipur’s defense finding form. Hooda was in good form for the Panthers as they pushed for an All Out on Delhi and take the lead. However, Delhi held firm with Ashu Malik managing a Super Tackle.
Delhi had a four-point lead going into the last 5 minutes, but Jaipur’s Hooda finally got a two-point raid that paved the way for an All Out. The momentum helped the Panthers take the lead in the final minutes and win the match, ending Delhi’s unbeaten streak in the ongoing season.
Milestone alert
In the thrilling encounter, Naveen crossed 600 raid points in PKL. He is the fastest to have achieved this feat (53 matches). Hooda made it to 900 raid points in PKL becoming only third raider to cross the mark after Pardeep Narwal and Rahul Chaudhari.
