PKL 10: Haryana Steelers' road to final

The franchise is aiming to win its maiden title.

Haryana Steelers knocked out the defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers in the semifinals of PKL 10 to set up the title clash with Puneri Paltan. It was a game that went on till the final minute of the game as both Jaipur and Haryana produced one of the matches of the season.

The Steelers have had a very successful campaign in comparison to the last couple of seasons where they failed to get past the league stage. This season they’ve finished on the fifth spot in the table after 22 league games with 13 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw to accumulate 70 points.

On that note, let us take a look at their journey to the playoffs.

First half of the season: Good start 

The Haryana Steelers had a tough start to the campaign as they lost to the UP Yoddhas by a 30-point margin in their season opener. But, they fought back very well and pulled off four back-to-back wins on the trot against the Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi KC, Puneri Paltan and the Gujarat Giants before the Telugu Titans put a stop to a winning streak.

Then they won against the Tamil Thalaivas before losing two consecutive games against the Patna Pirates and the Jaipur Pink Panthers respectively. The Steelers clinched a victory over the Bengal Warriors before a hard-fought draw against U Mumba to wrap up their first leg. In 11 matches, they won six, lost four and drew one. 

Second Half of the season: Consistent performances

Haryana Steelers began their second half of the season on the right foot with a win over the Tamil Thalaiavas. They then lost again to the Jaipur Pink Panthers before getting a victory over the Telugu Titans. In the next match, Dabang Delhi KC completed the double over the Steelers with a close win.

The Steelers bounced back strongly and won five games on the bounce against the Bengal Warriors, Gujarat Giants, UP Yoddhas, Patna Pirates and U Mumba respectively. However, they lost their last two group-stage fixtures against the Puneri Paltan and the Bengaluru Bulls. In 11 matches, they won seven games and lost four.

Home Leg: Mixed performances

The Haryana Steelers’ home leg was the final leg of the group-stage fixtures. They began their home leg with a statement win over the Patna Pirates where they won 39-32 at the Tau Devilal Huda Indoor Stadium in Panchkula. They won their second home game against U Mumba and qualified for the knockouts.

However, they failed to give their good start an ideal finish and lost their last two home games. Both Puneri Paltan and the Bengaluru Bulls handed them embarrassing defeats in front of their home crowd to wrap up their home leg. In four home games, they won and lost two each.

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