Chennai, Sep 29 (NationPress) Dabang Delhi K.C. achieved yet another thrilling victory, narrowly defeating Haryana Steelers 38-37 in their opening match of the third leg of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium on Monday.

In a match that set the tone for the Chennai leg, Dabang Delhi showcased their prowess, largely due to Ashu Malik’s impressive Super 10. Despite a fierce comeback from the Steelers in the final quarter, Jaideep’s High Five and Vinay’s 18 points ultimately fell short.

The initial 10 minutes between the reigning champions, Haryana Steelers, and the top-ranked Dabang Delhi, was nothing short of captivating, as both teams traded blows evenly. Ashu Malik and Vinay made early impacts, keeping the score balanced.

With the score locked at 8-8 after 10 minutes, the competition on the mat was fierce. Ashu quickly scored two points, while Vinay countered with effective raids to keep the Steelers in the game. Neeraj Narwal and Vishal Tate also contributed vital points to maintain the suspense.

The second quarter saw Dabang Delhi take control with a well-rounded performance. After a strong start, Ashu shifted the momentum with a series of sharp raids, supported by Surjeet Singh and Saurabh Nandal in defense. The Steelers, initially composed, found themselves under pressure as their raiders struggled to penetrate.

The pivotal moment came when Dabang Delhi executed the first All Out of the match against Haryana. This crucial blow provided the table-toppers with a significant lead and a firm hold on the game. Ashu’s dominance was clear as he consistently added raid points, while Fazel Atrachali’s tackle on Vinay underscored the team’s defensive resolve. By halftime, Delhi had established a solid 19-13 lead.

The third quarter saw the Steelers fighting back with determined defense. Jaideep delivered multiple tackles, and the Steelers relied on Super Tackles to keep the score gap manageable. Vinay contributed with raid points to keep their scoring steady.

A turning point occurred when Ashu Malik executed a remarkable Super Raid, leading to a second All Out against the Steelers. This moment not only restored Delhi’s double-digit lead but also marked Ashu’s Super 10 in his milestone 100th PKL match. The Dabang Delhi captain’s poise emphasized his ability to perform in critical moments as his team surged ahead to a 30-19 advantage.

In a dramatic finish, the Steelers launched a comeback, fueled by Vinay’s offensive consistency and Ashish Narwal’s energetic performance off the bench. They pushed Dabang Delhi back, creating an edge-of-the-seat atmosphere.

A crucial All Out revived the Steelers, narrowing the deficit to just two points with 90 seconds remaining. The crowd was electrified as the game turned into a nail-biter.

Vinay executed a multi-point raid, leveling the score, but Dabang Delhi quickly responded through Neeraj Narwal, regaining the lead. Ashish Narwal, who had been impressive since his introduction, added five vital points, including one in the final raid.

As the clock ran out, Dabang Delhi managed to hold on for a tense 38-37 victory. The match concluded in dramatic fashion, showcasing the thrilling rivalry between the defending champions and the top contenders, who now boast eight wins this season.