PKL 9 Semi-final Live Updates: Puneri Paltan vs Tamil Thalaivas

Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Bengaluru Bulls

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls clash in the first semi-final of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 9. Bengaluru Bulls pulled off an easy win against Dabang Delhi KC with a victory margin of more than 25 points. Vikash Kandola finally proved his value performing when required the most. He also took full advantage of Dabang Delhi KC’s inconsistent defensive unit. Vikash scored six points in just three raids at the start setting the momentum in Bengaluru Bulls’ favour. 

Ponparthiban Subramanium was another surprise performer. He scored his first high-five of the season. He was kept in the predicted lineup from our previous article and he showed what he is capable of. Jaipur Pink Panthers, who return to action after a long break, will look to break the momentum of Bengaluru Bulls and advance to their third final.

Head-to-Head

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls have faced each other 17 times in the Pro Kabaddi League. Both teams have won eight times each while one game ended in a tie.

Player to watch

Vikash Kandola will once again be the player to watch for in the first semi-final of PKL 9. He along with Bharat will combine to form a deadly combo. Both should look to attack Ankush from the left corner position as this will be the first playoffs match the youngster will be playing in. 

For Jaipur Pink Panthers, the secondary raider position will be filled up by Ajith Kumar and his performance can prove to be crucial in the end. Arjun Deshwal alone cannot handle the responsibilities as in the league stages and either Ajith Kumar or Rahul Chaudhari needs to step up. If Jaipur goes in with a 5-2 combination then the role of Ajith Kumar will prove to be more vital.

Puneri Paltan vs Tamil Thalaivas

Puneri Paltan play semi-final debutants Tamil Thalaivas in the second semi-final of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 9. The Thalaivas reached the last four stage after defeating the experienced UP Yoddhas via a tie-breaker in the eliminator.

UP Yoddhas had the match in their hands but a mistake from Pardeep Narwal and a strong ankle hold from lead raider Narender Kandola were the difference in the end. Mohit who has been below average for the entire season showed what he is capable of in the tie-breaker scoring two tackle points and a raid point for Tamil Thalaivas. 

The southern side has momentum and confidence going into the semis. They will be up against Puneri Paltan, who had a long rest since their last match in the league stage.

Head-to-Head

Puneri Paltan and Tamil Thalaivas have faced each other eight times in the Pro Kabaddi League history. Interestingly, both teams have come out victorious on three occasions, with two matches ending in a tie.

Player to watch

Mohit produced a heroic performance in the playoffs against UP Yoddhas scoring three points in the tie-breaker which proved to be vital in the end. He scored only two tackle points in normal time with four unsuccessful tackles but came back strong when required. With this performance, the Puneri Paltan side needs to be wary of the defender along with Abhishek from the right flank. 

Sombir has had a poor last few outings after a good start to the season. He was scoring points at a decent rate throughout the first half, but since then has lost form and has been very inconsistent. With the experience he needs to pull off a good performance as both Narender Kandola and Ajinkya Pawar of Tamil Thalaivas will look to make use of his inconsistent form and score points.