One of the most exciting matches of PKL Season 11 took place at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Tuesday when Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi K.C. played out a thrilling match that ended 39-39. The Patna Pirates dominated the first half until Dabang Delhi K.C. mounted a strong comeback, making it a match full of highs, challenges, and immense determination.
Here’s a breakdown of the match:
A Positive Beginning: The First Half
The game began with both sides trading early points, setting the stage for an intense battle. Devank gave the Patna Pirates the lead right away, displaying his form, and Deepak and Ankit offered strong assistance. A spectacular three-point attack by Dabang Delhi K.C.’s in-form Ashu Malik attempted to make an early impression, but the Patna Pirates’ defense soon tightened and stopped him in his tracks.
As the half went on, the Patna Pirates’ well-coordinated approach started to show. While Sandeep and Devank pushed the pace, while Ankit’s All-Out proved pivotal in establishing a dominant lead. The Patna Pirates got stronger by the minute, and before halftime, Devank scored a Super 10. The team jumped out to a 20-10 advantage.
At the interval, it appeared to be a one-sided match since the Patna Pirates’ defense was unwavering. There was a lot of confidence, and the Patna Pirates were ready to win a significant match.
A Battle of Wills: The Second Half
The second half began with Patna Pirates landing an All-Out on Dabang Delhi K.C., extending their lead beyond 10 points. The Patna Pirates seemed to be in total control of the game at this point. But Ashu Malik had a different strategy.
Ashu’s brilliance began to turn the tide for Dabang Delhi K.C. With five points from three successive raids and a strong defensive stand, Dabang Delhi K.C. clawed their way back into contention. The momentum was drastically changed as the Patna Pirates were soon the target of an All-Out.
Despite this setback, the Patna Pirates remained resilient. Devank kept up his successful raiding, scoring 14 points by the half. With ten minutes remaining, the Patna Pirates led by eight points, but Ashu Malik’s unrelenting raiding and Ashish’s crucial three-point Super Raid put Dabang Delhi K.C within striking distance.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The match was an absolute rollercoaster in the closing stages. Dabang Delhi K.C. maintained the pressure even after Shubham Shinde and Devank combined to give the Patna Pirates another lead. With just seconds remaining, Dabang Delhi K.C landed an All-Out and secured a one-point lead
The Patna Pirates demonstrated their renowned grit and persistence by refusing to give up. Devank and the defense leveled the score by turning the tide once more. The fact that both teams were tied at 39-39 at the end of the game was evidence of both teams’ determination and the spirit of Kabaddi.
Top Performers of the Patna Pirates
Best Raider – Devank (15 raid points)
Best Defender – Ankit (5 tackle points)
Looking Forward
The standout performances of Devank, who scored 15 points, and Ankit’s impressive High 5, underline the team’s potential to challenge any opponent. As the season progresses, the Patna Pirates will look to build on their strong performances while addressing key takeaways from this thrilling encounter. Their next matches promise to deliver even more action as the team pushes toward their ultimate goal.
This tied match may not have delivered a clear winner, but it certainly demonstrated the relentless spirit of the Patna Pirates. They fought valiantly, and while a victory eluded them, the performance served as a reminder of their resilience and potential for the rest of the season.