The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match on Friday, November 8, 2024, saw an exhilarating face-off between the Patna Pirates and Jaipur Pink Panthers at the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Gachibowli. Patna Pirates narrowly claimed victory over Jaipur Pink Panthers with a score of 43-41, thanks to a great performance of Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal, who scored a combined 25 points. With both players achieving well-deserved Super 10s, Patna Pirates secured a comeback win, advancing to fourth place on the PKL points table.
First Half of the Match: Patna Pirates Persistence Paid Off
Jaipur Pink Panthers started the game in dominant form, driven by their captain and star raider, Arjun Deshwal. Deshwal, with support from Neeraj Narwal and Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defenders, led his team to a strong start, quickly putting Patna Pirates on the back foot. With Patna Pirates unable to mount a solid defence initially, Jaipur Pink Panthers took advantage and inflicted an All Out on the Patna Pirates by the 10th minute. This early blow put Patna Pirates under pressure, and they struggled to find their footing in the face of Jaipur Pink Panthers’ aggressive tactics and Deshwal’s raids.
Patna Pirates gradually began to push back, thanks to the efforts of Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal. The young duo accounted for most of Patna Pirates’ points in the first half, with Dalal scoring eight points and Lohchab securing ten. By the final minutes of the first half, Patna Pirates’ persistence paid off. They managed to reduce the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ lead and eventually inflicted an All Out on the Jaipur Pink Panthers just before halftime. This successful turnaround allowed Patna Pirates to edge ahead, ending the first half with a lead of 25-21.
Second Half Thrills: A Close Battle
Arjun Deshwal continued to shine, delivering a remarkable Super Raid that earned Jaipur Pink Panthers five crucial points. Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defenders then succeeded in another All Out on Patna Pirates.
Patna Pirates responded with resilience as Ayan Lohchab completed his Super 10, scoring a crucial point that reignited the Patna Pirates’ efforts. Deshwal reached a milestone of 20 points, highlighting his exceptional performance, while Patna Pirates remained just a point behind as the clock ticked down, heightening the tension on the mat.
Final Moments: Patna Pirates Defense Seals the Win
As the match approached its final moments, Devank Dalal also completed his Super 10 with a bonus point, adding to Patna Pirates’ score. With only three minutes left, Patna Pirates equalized the score, setting up a nail-biting finish.
In the final moments, Patna Pirates’ defence proved crucial. In a raid of Devank, he scored a bonus point that inched Patna Pirates forward. This was followed by a successful tackle from Shubham Shinde, which ultimately sealed Patna Pirates’ hard-fought 43-41 victory. This thrilling win not only showcased Patna Pirates’ resilience but also demonstrated the impact of their young raiding duo, Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal.
Patna Pirates: Top Performers of the Match Against Jaipur Pink Panthers
Best Raider – Ayan (13 raid points)
Best Defender – Navdeep (4 tackle points)
Looking Forward
The win advances Patna Pirates to fourth place in the PKL standings, setting them up for further success as they prepare for the next match of the season. This close match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and exciting nature of the PKL 2024, where comebacks and tactical plays often lead to thrilling finishes.