PKL 11 Eliminator 2: Key player battles to watch out for in, Patna Pirates vs U Mumba

The winner will take on Dabang Delhi in the PKL 11 semifinal on Friday.

After almost two months of non-stop Kabaddi action, the eleventh edition of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) has reached its penultimate stage where six teams will go up against each other in search of silverware. Three-time champions Patna Pirates will take on U Mumba in the second eliminator for a chance to play against Dabang Delhi in semi-final 2.

The Pirates will be keen to get closer to their fourth title while U Mumba will want to reduce the gap between them and their second trophy. U Mumba emerged victorious in both the group stage fixtures earlier in the PKL 11 and came into this game as favourites. But, it remains to be seen who comes out on top and who goes home.

On that note, let us take a look at the three key battles that could dictate the outcome of the game.

Devank Dalal vs Sunil Kumar

Devank Dalal is the man in form for the Patna Pirates. He has been the driving force for the Pirates and has played a major role in their run to the playoffs. Devank is possibly one of the most consistent raiders that the league has witnessed. With 280 raid points and 18 Super 10s, Devank is the leading scorer in the league. In fact, he has scored a Super 10 in both the games against U Mumba this season. 

But, standing in his way will be U Mumba’s captain and leader Sunil Kumar. The defender has regained his form and has looked really good in the past few games. He is fresh off a High 5 in the last game and has notched up 54 tackle points in the process. His solidity combined with his experience and expertise makes him one of the finest defenders in the league.

Ankit Jaglan vs Ajit Chouhan

Ankit Jaglan has been the best defensive performer for the Patna Pirates this season. The Pirates’ skipper has earned a lot of praise for his natural defensive instincts and consistency. He is ranked fifth with 70 tackle points. His agility and notable performances at the back will come in very handy for the Pirates who will look to neutralise the danger possessed by Ajit Chouhan.

Ajit on the other hand is having a fairytale debut season. He is filled with immense potential and can certainly go all the way if he keeps working the way he is working right now. Ajit’s pace and awareness give him an edge over the defenders. He is the fourth-highest scorer in the league with 180 points. Moreover, he maintains an average of 8 points per game.

Ayan Lohchab vs Parvesh Bhainswal 

Ayan Lohchab has also been one of the finds of the season. He has come into the scene and has announced his arrival with some mind-blowing and wonderful performances. His synergy with Devank up front comes in as an added advantage for the Pirates. Lohchab has been consistently scoring points and securing wins for his side and has racked up 165 raid points in the process.

Parvesh Bhainswal will have the responsibility to keep Ayan in check and not allow him many chances. The left cover defender is one of the most in-form defenders for U Mumba this season and will look to bring his A-game to the table in the eliminator. Bhainswal has scored 34 tackle points with a strike rate of 44%, including five points against the Patna Pirates.

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