New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) The Patna Pirates showcased their formidable skills by securing a decisive 46–37 victory against the Bengaluru Bulls in eliminator 2 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Monday. This triumph has paved their way into eliminator 3, where they are set to challenge the Telugu Titans on Wednesday.

The Pirates continued their remarkable streak, now at eight consecutive wins, thanks to star raider Ayan, who delivered a stellar performance with 19 points. The team’s defense was also instrumental, applying relentless pressure on the Bulls. A standout moment for the Bulls was Shubham Bitake achieving a seven-point raid, marking the highest individual score ever in PKL history.

The match began with a strong start from the Bulls as Alireza Mirzaian secured the opening point through a successful raid. However, the Pirates quickly countered, with Ayan responding effectively. Soon, Deepak executed a well-timed tackle, giving the Pirates a slight edge. The early minutes saw both teams exchanging points in a closely contested battle.

The tide turned when Ayan spearheaded the Pirates, leading to the first all-out and a 9–3 advantage. Fueled by this momentum, the Pirates built on their lead through effective raids and tackles, widening the gap to ten points before the first half's Strategic Time Out.

The Bulls entered the next phase with renewed energy, scoring through a powerful Super Tackle. Yet, the Patna Pirates regained their composure with another timely tackle from Deepak, swinging the momentum back to their favor.

Despite the Bulls' efforts to keep pace, the Pirates maintained their superiority with stellar raiding and defensive performances. Their pressure resulted in another all-out, pushing their lead to 23–12 by halftime. Ayan reached his Super 10 soon after, further solidifying the Pirates' stronghold on the match, leading 27–13 at the half.

The second half commenced similarly, with the Patna Pirates controlling the game through strategic raids and tackles. The Bulls found a brief window of opportunity when Shubham Bitake executed a remarkable Super Raid, scoring seven quick points – six touch points and one bonus point – briefly shifting the momentum. This achievement set a new PKL record for the most points in a single raid.

Shortly thereafter, Alireza Mirzaian made a crucial tackle that forced an all-out, narrowing the score. However, the Pirates maintained a strong lead, entering the Strategic Time Out at 36–29.

After the break, the Patna Pirates swiftly expanded their lead to 40–30, keeping the Bulls at bay and denying them significant chances to mount a comeback. Despite facing a minor setback in the second half, the Pirates remained composed, ensuring their dominance until the end. Ultimately, their all-around performance secured a well-earned and convincing victory.