PKL 9: Jaipur Pink Panthers defeated Bulls to secure top spot

Dabang Delhi vs Tamil Thalaivas

In a game that turned on its head in the final minutes, Dabang Delhi KC and Tamil Thalaivas played out an enthralling 37-37 tie to split the points in PKL 9. Dabang Delhi KC's talisman Naveen Kumar (15 points) and Tamil Thalaivas star raider Narender (14 points) were the stars of the evening at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.    

Delhi started the game off strong, and despite Naveen Kumar's early struggles, had managed to notch up an early lead. In the early exchanges, it was their defence that was working perfectly. And yet, the Tamil Thalaivas soon took control, doing everything just that little better, whether it be raiding or defending. On their end too, the star raider Narender struggled, only for their defence to bail him out. 

The variety of raiding options helped the Tamil Thalaivas inflict the first ALL OUT of the evening to take a 13-8 lead. Suddenly, the pressure had been released and Narender took charge, notching up five points in the final seven minutes, as the Tamil Thalaivas went into the break leading 20-15.

Dabang Delhi made a great comeback

Stung after the first period, a much-improved Dabang Delhi KC came out for the second half all guns firing. Even Naveen, who had been contained in the first period, started scoring regular points to draw his team close. With momentum on their side, Dabang Delhi KC started getting more out of every play. A SUPER TACKLE by Ashu Malik on Narender drew them level with 10 minutes to go. 

Over the next four minutes though, the Tamil Thalaivas turned the tide, scoring seven unanswered points to inflict a second ALL OUT on Dabang Delhi KC and edged ahead again. The last five minutes were a treat for the fans, Dabang Delhi KC were reliant on quick raids and the Tamil Thalaivas were intent on eating up time. Delhi got their first ALL OUT of the game in the final thirty seconds to draw level at 36-36. The last moments saw the two trade blows, but had to be content with sharing the spoils.

Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Bengaluru Bulls

Arjun Deshwal and V Ajith were on fire as the Jaipur Pink Panthers swatted away the challenge from the Bengaluru Bulls, winning by a scoreline of 45-25 in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 9, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Wednesday. While Arjun was the star of the show for the Jaipur Pink Panthers, it was Bharat who registered another Super 10 for the Bengaluru Bulls. 

For the Bengaluru Bulls, it was Bharat who started off with the first points, while the Jaipur Pink Panthers turned to Rahul Chaudhari and Sahul Kumar for first points in a slow-paced start to the game. The Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defence was in fine form, setting the tone of the contest, thwarting the Bengaluru Bulls’ raids with some incredible tackles.  

Bengaluru Bulls trailed by 20 points and the Jaipur Pink Panthers continued to keep them at arm’s length

The advantage and efforts reflected on the scorecard, with Sahal Kumar and Ankush all scoring tackle points, giving the Jaipur Pink Panthers a 4-point lead within the first ten minutes of the first half. Soon enough, Arjun Deshwal and V Ajith got going as well, helping the Jaipur Pink Panthers stretch their lead further. By the time the players went in for the breather, the Jaipur Pink Panthers led the Bengaluru Bulls by 25-10. 

Bharat needed the supporting cast to step up in the second half for the Bengaluru Bulls, but it was Arjun and co who were keeping the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the box seat. Bharat was soldiering on for his side, but the task on had continued to get tougher as the opponents maintained their firm grip on the contest. Arjun had notched up his Super 10 while Ankush and Reza Mirbagheri were leading the charge in defence.  

As the final ten minutes kicked off, the Bengaluru Bulls trailed by 20 points and the Jaipur Pink Panthers continued to keep them at arm’s length. Not for once did the Jaipur Pink Panthers let their levels drop in the final moments, eventually running out as comfortable winners on the night 47 of PKL 9.  

Awards on 30/11/2022 

Match 1: Bengaluru Bulls vs Jaipur Pink Panthers  

vivo Perfect Player of the Match – Arjun Deshwal (Jaipur Pink Panthers) 

Dream 11 Gamechanger of the Match – Lucky Sharma (Jaipur Pink Panthers) 

Moment of the Match - Lucky Sharma (Jaipur Pink Panthers) 

Match 2: Dabang Delhi KC vs Tamil Thalaivas  

vivo Perfect Player of the Match – Narender (Tamil Thalaivas)  

Dream 11 Gamechanger of the Match – Naveen Kumar (Dabang Delhi KC)  

Moment of the Match – Amit Hooda (Dabang Delhi KC)