The Patna Pirates delivered a statement performance at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, dismantling Dabang Delhi K.C. 61–26 in one of the most one-sided encounters of the season. The 35-point triumph marked the biggest win of PKL Season 12, and it also propelled the Patna Pirates into the Playoffs zone with one league match left against the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Patna Pirates Assert Early Control
The match began with Ayan Lohchab opening the scoring through a confident raid. While Dabang Delhi K.C. responded with a quick point from Akshit, it was the Patna Pirates who began dictating the tempo. Their combination of composed raiding and tight defending quickly gave them a 4–1 lead.
Dabang Delhi K.C. did manage a brief fightback, closing the gap to 5–4 through some solid defensive work. But the Patna Pirates’ momentum was undeniable, with the defence led by Navdeep maintaining composure in key moments to keep the hosts under pressure. By the Strategic Time Out, the scores were tied at 7–7, setting the tone for an engaging first half.
Ayan Lohchab Leads from the Front
After the break, Ayan Lohchab reignited the Patna Pirates’ surge, notching consecutive raid points. With Dabang Delhi K.C. struggling to find a rhythm, the Patna Pirates stretched their advantage to 13–8 midway through the first half.
Despite Akshit’s two-point effort to bring Dabang Delhi K.C. closer, Ayan’s precise raiding and the Patna Pirates’ defensive coordination helped them regain control.
The turning point came soon after when the Patna Pirates inflicted the first ALL OUT on Dabang Delhi K.C., opening up a 19–13 lead. Ayan continued his dominance and by halftime, the Patna Pirates had a commanding 29–19 lead, showcasing their attacking depth and defensive balance.
Relentless Second-Half Domination
The second half saw the Patna Pirates tighten their grip on the contest. Navdeep executed a solid tackle to add another point before Ayan Lohchab completed his Super 10, stretching the lead further.
Moments later, the Patna Pirates forced another ALL OUT, taking the score to 39–17 and firmly cementing their control.
The floodgates opened thereafter. Ayan Lohchab delivered a five-point raid burst, triggering yet another ALL OUT their third of the match as the lead ballooned to 31 points. The Patna Pirates were ruthless in both departments, leaving Dabang Delhi K.C. struggling to keep up.
All-Round Team Effort
The final phase saw contributions from every department. Milan Dahiya and Ankit Kumar added valuable raid points, while Navdeep completed his High 5, reflecting a complete team performance. Ankit Kumar too joined the party, completing his Super 10 to highlight the Patna Pirates’ all-round dominance.
Even as Akshit pulled off a late Super Raid for Dabang Delhi K.C., it was far too little, too late. The Patna Pirates added a Super Tackle in the final minute to close the night in emphatic style, sealing a 61–26 victory the largest winning margin of PKL Season 12.
Standout Performers for Patna Pirates
- Top Raider: Ayan Lohchab
- Top Defender: Navdeep
Final Words
With this emphatic performance, the Patna Pirates reaffirmed their title credentials heading into the Playoffs. Every department clicked in unison from Ayan Lohchab’s raiding brilliance to Navdeep’s defensive authority making this a night to remember for the three-time champions.
Next up, the Patna Pirates take on the Jaipur Pink Panthers in their final league match, with momentum and belief firmly on their side.