PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 56, Bengal Warriorz vs Puneri Paltan

Puneri Paltan will look to get back to winning ways in PKL 12 against Bengal Warriorz.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) will feature another blockbuster clash between two quality sides. Bengal Warriorz will face the in-form Puneri Paltan in match 56, which will also be their first match of the Chennai leg.

When these teams played against each other previously this season, Puneri Paltan defeated Bengal Warriorz convincingly by 45-36. Bengal Warriorz are placed 10th in the points table. On the other hand, Puneri Paltan have held the top 2 spots for quite some time now.

Puneri Paltan have been stunning this season. They have showcased complete performances and dominated their opponents without any big-name players on their side. The Paltan have won six out of nine matches.

It might seem easier on paper, but it will be difficult for the Paltan, with Devank Dalal and Ashish Malik in a fierce form for Bengal Warriorz. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between Bengal Warriorz and Puneri Paltan in PKL 12.

Aditya Shinde vs Ankit

Aditya Shinde has been the find of the season for Puneri Paltan. He has been stellar for them in the raiding department, and even the coach has a lot to praise about him.

Shinde has scored 56 raid points in 8 matches, including 3 Super 10s. Shinde is one of the most consistent raiders for the Paltan, and if he can destroy the in-form Bengal Warriorz’s defence, he can be the game-changer in the match.

Ankit has replaced the experienced Nitesh Kumar in the right corner of Warriorz. Moreover, he has utilized his skills to the fullest to grab the opportunity with both hands. He has been a part of the starting 7 three times this season, and has scored seven points in two matches.

Ankit showed a brilliant combination with Ashish Malik on the other end to deliver their last victory. If he can do the same against Aditya Shinde, Bengal Warriorz might be in the driving seat in this contest.

Pankaj Mohite vs Ashish Malik

Pankaj Mohite had a brilliant previous match. Mohite single-handedly held the raiding department together and scored a fabulous Super 10. He showed strong glimpses of a good rhythm, and if he and Aditya Shinde can find a good partnership, any opponent will struggle. Mohite has scored 49 raid points in 9 matches, including 2 Super 10s.

However, Mohite won’t be getting it easily. Ashish Malik has been in stunning form for the last few matches. He has brought Bengal Warriorz into the controlling position and has supported Devank Dalal with his aggressive defending.

Malik has scored 28 tackle points in 7 games, including 4 High 5s. He will have to continue his solid run to dominate the Paltan in the next contest.

Devank Dalal vs Gaurav Khatri

Devank Dalal needs no introduction. He has been demolishing his opponents since previous season. He has scored 131 raid points in 8 matches, and is the most successful raider at the moment. If he gets going once again, the Paltan will be in trouble.

Stopping Devank Dalal will be the first task for the Paltan. Who better than the most successful defender for them to take responsibility? Gaurav Khatri has been spectacular for the Paltan this season.

However, he has had a couple of quiet games lately. Khatri must be eyeing a comeback against the most successful raider of the season.

Khatri has scored 30 tackle points this season and will be planning some solid combination tackles with Vishal Bharadwaj on the other corner. If he and other defenders can restrict Devank, they will get the edge in the match.

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