Chennai, Oct 2 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter, the Puneri Paltan, a former champion, faced off against the Bengaluru Bulls in their second tie-breaker of the season, concluding with both teams tied at 29-29 during Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) on Thursday night. The Paltan emerged victorious in the decisive round, completing a double over their rivals at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai. This match marked the second instance this season where the Paltan triumphed in a tie-breaker, showcasing their strong performance and securing the top position on the points table.

The contest began with both teams engaging in a fierce battle, testing each other's defenses. Despite the absence of Aslam Inamdar, the Puneri Paltan established a strong footing. Abinesh Nadarajan initiated the defensive plays for the Paltan, executing the first tackle of the half, while raiders Aditya Shinde and Aashish Malik found early successes. The Bulls’ Alireza Mirzaian showcased impressive raids, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

By the 13th minute, the Paltan started to dominate, inflicting the first All Out on Akash Shinde and gaining a narrow advantage, even with Mirzaian's efforts for the Bulls. At the end of the first ten minutes, the Paltan led with a score of 12-9 over the Bulls.

Entering the second phase, the Paltan looked to solidify their lead, with Nadarajan leading the defense and Shinde contributing vital points. However, the Bulls, driven by Aashish and Akash, fought back, keeping the pressure on the Paltan, who managed to maintain their lead at halftime with a score of 17-13.

The second half commenced with the Paltan still in control, showcasing a blend of strategic raids and robust defense. Players like Gurdeep and Gaurav Khatri executed timely tackles, including a remarkable Super Tackle against Mirzaian. Even as the Bulls ramped up their efforts, the Paltan remained composed.

As the match progressed, the Bulls mounted a significant comeback, with their raiders, including Alireza and Ganesha Hanamantagol, steadily making inroads into the Paltan's defense. The pivotal moment arrived in the 33rd minute when the Bulls executed an All Out against the Paltan, giving them a three-point lead for the first time. In the closing moments, the Paltan regrouped with Shinde and Pankaj, narrowing the gap while Nadarajan's late defensive plays kept the Bulls from extending their lead.

As the final whistle blew, both teams were deadlocked at 29 points, prompting a tie-breaker after a gripping finish. In the tie-breaker, the Paltan maintained their composure, ultimately prevailing over the Bulls with a score of 6-4. Early raids from Pankaj Mohite and Aditya Shinde set the pace, while Khatri and Nadarajan ensured a solid defense. Despite the Bulls' late efforts, the Puneri Paltan secured a narrow but decisive victory after the 29-29 tie in regulation time.