Chennai, Oct 1 (NationPress) In an impressive display, U Mumba triumphed over Tamil Thalaivas with a score of 42-24, securing their position in fifth on the points table during Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai last night.

Leading the offensive was Sandeep, who achieved his third consecutive Super 10 of the season, while Lokesh Ghosliya and Sunil Kumar each recorded High Fives in defense. Their collective efforts effectively countered Nitesh Kumar's High Five for the Thalaivas, establishing U Mumba's dominance on the mat.

U Mumba took a narrow 9-7 lead against Tamil Thalaivas in a highly competitive first ten minutes. The early stages saw a back-and-forth battle, with Sandeep and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh making significant contributions in raids, while Lokesh Ghosliya and Rinku executed critical tackles in defense.

Tamil Thalaivas remained competitive, with Arjun Deshwal creating challenges, including a successful raid that took out Ravi, keeping the game close. Tactical substitutions, such as Yogesh Yadav for Arulnanthababu, aimed to provide the Thalaivas with a strategic advantage. With U Mumba ahead by just two points, every move counted, setting the stage for an exciting first half.

As the second ten minutes unfolded, U Mumba started to pull away from the Thalaivas. This phase featured strategic raids and a resilient defense, highlighted by Ajit Chouhan's pivotal Do-Or-Die raid that eliminated two Thalaivas players. Lokesh continued to solidify the defense, achieving his High Five—the second fastest of the season—and executing timely tackles to keep their momentum.

Tamil Thalaivas attempted to regroup, with Arjun Deshwal leading the charge, but numerous Do-Or-Die raids fell short. Key defensive plays by Suresh Jadhav and Nitesh Kumar helped to mitigate the scoring. This segment was a mix of empty raids, successful attempts, and tactical substitutions, maintaining a close contest. U Mumba held a 16-11 lead by halftime.

In the second half's third ten minutes, U Mumba asserted their dominance, building a significant lead over Tamil Thalaivas. Sandeep shone with precise raids, keeping the scoreboard active. Captain Sunil Kumar and Zafardanesh effectively thwarted Tamil Thalaivas' attempts to gain momentum, as multiple unsuccessful raids from Arjun Deshwal underscored U Mumba's control.

The pivotal moment arrived when Sandeep's two-point raid triggered an All Out, sending Aashish and Rohit Beniwal off the mat, providing U Mumba with a substantial lead. This raid not only increased the score gap but also allowed U Mumba to dictate the game's tempo. They led 28-16 by the end of this segment, firmly in control as they aimed to seal the victory.

U Mumba ultimately showcased their prowess against the Thalaivas, closing the match with a decisive win driven by effective raids and steadfast defense. Sandeep led the scoring with a total of 12 points, consistently breaking through the Thalaivas' defense at crucial moments. Captain Sunil bolstered the defense with his High Five, demonstrating his significant role in the match.

The match also featured U Mumba executing their second All Out, further extending their lead. Tamil Thalaivas struggled to regain their footing, with empty raids highlighting U Mumba's strength. Ultimately, U Mumba claimed a dominant 18-point victory, reinforcing their superiority in both offense and defense.