The Patna Pirates bounced back in style with a composed all-round performance to defeat the UP Yoddhas 36-28 in a thrilling Pro Kabaddi League clash. Raider Ayan Lohchab stole the show with a 15-point masterclass, while Navdeep anchored the defence with a commanding High Five, helping the three-time champions secure a much-needed victory.
This win not only lifted the Patna Pirates off the bottom of the standings but also reignited their campaign with renewed confidence and purpose.
Early Momentum with UP Yoddhas
The contest began at a furious pace, with both teams trading points rapidly. The UP Yoddhas seized early control through Gagan Gowda, who was unstoppable in the opening stages. His quick raids and a stunning Super Raid that sent Ankit Kumar, Navdeep, and Balaji D. off the mat gave the Yoddhas a strong platform.
Gagan’s nine raid points in the first quarter, supported by a solid tackle from Mahender Singh, helped the UP Yoddhas establish a 12-8 lead midway through the first half.
Patna Pirates Regain Control
Refusing to be rattled, the Patna Pirates regrouped impressively. Their defence tightened up, while Ayan Lohchab began to assert his authority on the game. His sharp movements and fearless raiding dismissed key Yoddhas defenders, including Sumit, Bhavani Rajput, and Mahender Singh.
The Pirates dominated the next phase, outscoring the Yoddhas 8-2 in ten minutes. A Super Tackle by Deepak on Bhavani added to the momentum, and by halftime, the Patna Pirates had turned the game around to take a 16-14 lead.
Ayan and Navdeep Lead the Charge
The second half saw the Patna Pirates continue their dominance. Ayan Lohchab completed his Super 10 with a string of confident raids, often thriving under Do-or-Die pressure. His consistency kept the UP Yoddhas’ defence guessing, while Deepak and Ankit ensured the backline stayed solid.
The turning point came when the Patna Pirates inflicted the first ALL OUT of the night on the UP Yoddhas, stretching their advantage and seizing full control of the contest.
Pirates Seal the Win with Composure
As the clock wound down, the Patna Pirates showed maturity and calmness. Ayan Lohchab, who also crossed the 300-point milestone in the Pro Kabaddi League, led from the front, while Navdeep completed his High Five, ensuring the defence remained unbreached in the final minutes.
Despite late efforts from Gagan Gowda, who completed his Super 10, and Mahender Singh’s defensive attempts, the UP Yoddhas couldn’t bridge the gap. The Patna Pirates’ balanced effort across both attack and defence proved decisive, sealing an eight-point win at 36-28.
Standout Performers for Patna Pirates
- Top Raider: Ayan Lohchab
- Top Defender: Navdeep
The End Note
This win showcased exactly what the Patna Pirates are known for, resilience, balance, and teamwork. From Ayan Lohchab’s electrifying raids to Navdeep’s defensive leadership, the team displayed true champion spirit.
With this crucial win, the Patna Pirates have not only climbed up the table but have also sent a strong message that they are back in contention and ready to challenge the best in Season 12.