Visakhapatnam turned into a stage of high drama as Patna Pirates went down narrowly 39-40 against U Mumba in one of the most thrilling contests of PKL Season 12 so far. While the result didn’t go their way, the night will be remembered for Ayan Lohchab’s stunning raid performance, as he became the first player in league history to record back-to-back 20+ point games.
First Half – A Lone Warrior Stands Tall
The opening half saw the Patna Pirates under pressure from the start. While U Mumba tried to dictate the tempo, Ayan Lohchab shouldered the entire raiding responsibility for Patna. He picked up points consistently, forcing the opposition defence to stay on their toes.
Even as the Patna Pirates trailed at the break with the scoreboard reading 15-23, it was Lohchab’s fearless approach that ensured they remained in striking distance. His quick touches, sharp escapes, and mat awareness kept Patna alive.
Second Half – Patna Pirates Fight Till the End
The second half belonged to the Patna Pirates’ fightback. With Lohchab in full flow, Patna roared back into the contest. He completed his Super 10 in style and then went on to dominate every raid, helping the Patna Pirates inflict an All Out that levelled the scores.
The momentum seemed to swing Patna’s way as Ayan scored raid after raid, giving his team a two-point cushion with minutes left. However, the Patna Pirates couldn’t find enough support from other raiders or the defence to close out the game.
In the dying seconds, with the score tied at 39-39, a rare error from Lohchab allowed U Mumba to snatch the final point. The Patna Pirates were left heartbroken, but the grit and determination they showed will serve as a reminder of their potential this season.
Star Performer – Ayan Lohchab
If one name defined this game, it was Ayan Lohchab. His tally of 20 raid points not only kept the Patna Pirates alive but also etched his name in PKL history books with successive 20-point games. The commentators couldn’t stop raving about his consistency, calling him the “one-man army” of the Patna Pirates on the night.
Key Performers of the Match
| Player | Role | Points |
| Ayan Lohchab | Top Raider | 21 |
| Ankit Rana | Defender | 3 |
| Ankit Jaglan | Skipper | 3 |
Final Words
For the Patna Pirates, this game will be remembered as one that slipped through their fingers. Yet, the positives are undeniable. Ayan Lohchab’s form is a massive boost, and if the supporting cast can rise to the occasion, Patna will be a dangerous side in the coming fixtures.
While the Patna Pirates fell short by a single point, the fight they showed against a strong opposition proves that they have the spirit and the talent to bounce back stronger.