Patna Pirates scripted a sensational comeback as they beat Dabang Delhi KC 33-30 at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur on September 20, 2025. This clash looked tilted in opponents favour for most of the first half, but the three-time champions saved their best for the last quarter. The star of the night was substitute Ankit Rana, who delivered 12 raid points and turned the tide to end Dabang Delhi’s winning streak.
Early Control for Dabang Delhi KC
The match began with Dabang Delhi K.C. looking the more composed side. Neeraj Narwal and Ajinkya Pawar created early pressure with clever raids, while Fazel Atrachali and Saurabh Nandal kept Patna Pirates’ raiders in check. By the halfway mark of the first quarter, Dabang Delhi held a handy four-point lead.
Despite this, Patna Pirates showed signs of resistance. Ayan Lohchab and Sudhakar M chipped in with raids, while Navdeep and skipper Ankit Jaglan added defensive strength. Still, Dabang Delhi extended their advantage in the second quarter. Neeraj continued his dominance, supported by Ashu Malik and Surjeet Singh. Just before halftime, Dabang Delhi inflicted an ALL OUT, taking a commanding 19-10 lead.
The Fightback Gains Momentum
The second half saw Patna Pirates regroup with renewed energy. Ayan Lohchab kept pushing in attack, but the biggest impact came from substitute Ankit Rana, who unsettled Dabang Delhi’s defence with fearless raids. On the other end, skipper Ankit Jaglan held the defence steady, executing timely tackles alongside Navdeep.
Dabang Delhi kept scoring through Neeraj and Ajinkya, but the match was no longer one-sided. The momentum slowly began shifting as Patna Pirates clawed their way back into contention.
The Final Quarter Turnaround
The real magic happened in the last ten minutes. Patna Pirates turned the game on its head with a stunning run of points. Ankit Rana unleashed a flurry of raids, including a crucial ALL OUT, while skipper Ankit Jaglan led the defence with decisive tackles that broke Dabang Delhi’s rhythm.
From trailing by nine at halftime, Patna Pirates outscored Delhi 16-5 in the final quarter. Rana’s fearless raiding, supported by Lohchab and Sudhakar, ensured the comeback was complete.
Standout Performers for Patna Pirates
Top Defender : Ankit Rana
Top Raider : Ayan
The End Note
This victory was a reminder of why Patna Pirates are one of the most resilient teams in PKL history. Even against a strong and in-form Dabang Delhi K.C, they showed fight, belief, and execution under pressure. Ankit Rana’s brilliance and Ankit Jaglan’s defensive leadership will be remembered as the turning points of this memorable 33-30 win. Next, they take on Bengal Warriors, a big test and a chance to keep the winning streak going.