A solid performance by former champions Bengaluru Bulls saw them crush Gujarat Giants by 46-37 in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 8. An inspired performance by Pawan Sehrawat meant that the Bulls now go top of the table having played one match more than Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi. The earlier encounter saw former champions Jaipur Pink Panthers dominate another former champion Patna Pirates by 38-28 to record their fifth win of the campaign.
Hooda, Deshwal too hot to handle for Pirates
A 'Super 10' by Deepak Hooda and Arjun Deshwal's nine points proved to be the ultimate difference-maker in match 53 of the PKL as they steered the Panthers to a much-needed win. An all-out along with 11 raid points was the feature story for the Panthers as they led 18-12 at halftime. Monu Goyat (7) and captain Prashant Kumar (6) tried to pull their best to keep their team in the contest but were no match to the Panthers' defense and attack.
The second half was no different as Sahul Kumar with four successful tackles was making it look easier for the team from the pink city. Despite Sachin's heroics for Pirates, it was the Panthers' conversion rate of 17 successful raids that proved to be decisive. The 38-28 win saw Panthers go fourth in the table while three-time champions Patna Pirates lost ground, as they sit second in the table.
'Super Pawan' does it again for Bengaluru Bulls
Bengaluru Bulls had to go through a tough routine to outclass Gujarat Giants in the second match. However, there was no price for guessing who was the standout performer of the match was, as Sehrawat was raiding point after point, to lead his team to the summit of the PKL table. A 38th career 'Super 10' with 19 points has cemented his place as one of the best performers in the history of PKL. He put a price on his raids by notching points on every other raid. Despite an all-out, the Giants were still able to hang in as they trailed the Bulls at halftime by 17-22.
Giants' star raider Rakesh did try to reduce the deficit with his eye-catching 14 raid points, but it was not enough for his side to salvage anything from the contest. Sunil Kumar (4) and Parvesh Bhainswal (4) did help their cause but another all-out followed to end their hopes of getting anything from the contest. For Bulls, Bharat almost clinched a 'Super 10' but ended with nine points. The win sees the Bulls go to the top while Gujarat remain 11th on the table with one win in five.
It will be a tripleheader on Saturday (January 15) as Haryana Steelers take on Dabang Delhi, followed by UP Yoddha against rock-bottom Telugu Titans. The final game on the night will see defending champions Bengal Warriors lock horns with U Mumba.
