PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 9, Dabang Delhi vs Bengaluru Bulls

Bengaluru Bulls will be eyeing their first win of PKL 12 against Dabang Delhi.

Dabang Delhi will play their opening encounter of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) against Bengaluru Bulls on September 02, 2025. The ninth match of the first leg will be played at Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag.

On one hand, Dabang Delhi will be trying out their combinations for the first time in the new season. On the other hand, Bengaluru Bulls will go into the field with a tried and tested starting seven.

The Bulls faced a narrow defeat against Puneri Paltan in the tie-breaker. The match got tied at 32-32, and the Paltan won by 6-4 in the tie-breaker. Bengaluru Bulls will have a new set of challenges as Dabang Delhi is one of the complete teams this season.

Delhi boasts a raiding department featuring Ashu Malik, Ajinkya Pawar, Mohit, Akshit, and Neeraj Narwal. Other than that, they have a fabulous defensive squad, including Surjeet Singh, Fazel Atrachali, Gaurav Chillar, Sandeep, and Saurabh Nandal.

Both teams will be looking for their first win, and these player battles will decide which way the match will go. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between Dabang Delhi and Bengaluru Bulls.

Aashish Malik vs Amir Hossein Bastami

Aashish Malik is a recruit for the Bengaluru Bulls, who proved his worth in the opening encounter of the season. Malik displayed impressive character against Puneri Paltan. He scored 6 raid points, along with 2 tackle points, and kept the Bulls in the game till the last minute.

On the other hand, Amir Hossein Bastami, guarding the right corner for Dabang Delhi, can be a threat to Malik. Bastami is an experienced campaigner with nearly 100 tackle points to his name in his PKL career.

If he can control Malik from getting regular points, the Bulls’ raiding department might look weak, and it could be a breakthrough for the Dabang.

Also Read: PKL 12: Dabang Delhi vs Bengaluru Bulls prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Fazel Atrachali vs Akash Shinde

Fazel Atrachali needs no introduction. The Iranian is one of the most loved Kabaddi players in India. He is one of the most experienced defenders. Currently, he has the most tackle points (545) in the history of the PKL. He had a below-average Season 11 and would be looking for a fresh and better start to this season.

Akash Shinde, the young sensation, will be against the experience of Atrachali in tomorrow’s clash. Shinde had a great start to the season against Paltan. He scored a Super 10 in the last match.

This is his first time leading a raiding department, and he has done quite well in the past. If he can continue his form, he might help the Bulls snatch a victory against the Dabangs.

Ashu Malik vs Ankush Rathee

The battle of the captains. Both captains had fabulous Season 11 and are full of confidence as they begin the new one. Ankush Rathee showed in the first match that he is here to dominate.

He scored a stunning High 5 against the Paltan. Even though his team lost, he must have definitely gained some confidence from it, because they fought really well.

On the other hand, Ashu Malik has been one of the best raiders in the last few seasons. He will be the player to keep on the bench for the Bulls. If they can keep Malik on the bench for long, their chances of winning will increase significantly.

Malik has 679 raid points in the last 3 seasons. He will be looking for another dominant season this year. Which of these captains can get the better of each other on the mat tomorrow will have the better chance of scoring their first win of the season.

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