Patna Pirates prevailed in a pulsating high-scoring contest, edging past Bengal Warriorz 51–49 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. The encounter produced a combined 100 points, the most in a single match this season, and witnessed both marquee raiders, Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal, surpass the 20-point mark.
Ayan Lohchab stole the spotlight with a record-breaking 27-point performance, the highest by any player this season, while substitute Milan Dahiya made a timely impact with four points that proved crucial in the Patna Pirates’ narrow win. For Bengal Warriorz, captain Devank Dalal scored 25 points, his fourth 20+ game of the season, and crossed the 250 raid points milestone for the campaign.
A High-Octane Start
The match began at full throttle, with Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal trading early blows to open the scoring for their sides. Patna Pirates quickly found their rhythm through a tackle from Balaji D and a two-point raid from Ankit Rana. Despite a Super Tackle from Bengal Warriorz keeping them in touch, Ayan Lohchab’s clinical raiding soon led to the first ALL OUT of the match, giving Patna Pirates a healthy seven-point lead.
Bengal Warriorz, however, responded strongly through Devank Dalal and Himanshu Narwal, who kept their side within striking distance. A tackle on Ayan by Ankit offered the Bengal Warriorz a glimmer of hope as they cut the deficit to four points.
Bengal Warriorz Hit Back
The Season 7 champions regrouped quickly, with Himanshu Narwal sparking the fightback via a two-point raid. Ashish Malik’s solid tackle and a multi-point raid from Devank Dalal turned the tide completely, helping Bengal Warriorz inflict their first ALL OUT and seize the lead. Devank also completed his 15th consecutive Super 10, and the first half ended 26–23 in favour of Bengal Warriorz.
Ayan Inspires the Comeback
Patna Pirates started the second half determined to reclaim control, but Bengal Warriorz continued their defensive dominance. Ankit and Ashish Malik registered successive Super Tackles to stretch their team’s lead to nine points with ten minutes remaining.
Refusing to give in, Patna Pirates launched a spirited comeback. A two-point raid from Milan Dahiya and a critical tackle from Ankit Jaglan set the stage for a turnaround. Soon after, Ayan Lohchab inflicted an ALL OUT, reducing the deficit to just four points with seven minutes left.
Patna Pirates Finish Strong
The momentum had shifted. Milan Dahiya struck again with a match-defining raid to secure another ALL OUT, pushing Patna Pirates ahead by one point. Ayan Lohchab then delivered a spectacular Super Raid, extending their lead to four points in the final two minutes.
Devank Dalal refused to back down, closing the gap to a single point with a flurry of quick raids. But on the final raid of the match a Do-Or-Die moment, Devank’s failed tackle attempt on Ayan Lohchab proved costly. The Patna Pirates star clinched the match-winning point, sealing a dramatic two-point victory.
Standout Performers for Patna Pirates
Top Raider: Ayan Lohchab
Top Defender: Navdeep
The End Note
In one of the most entertaining matches of the season, Patna Pirates showcased determination, discipline, and attacking brilliance. Ayan Lohchab’s masterclass, backed by Milan Dahiya’s impact and timely defensive efforts, ensured Patna Pirates edged a fierce Bengal Warriorz challenge.
With this win, Patna Pirates continue to strengthen their playoff push, reminding everyone why they remain one of the most feared teams in the Pro Kabaddi League.