PKL 11: Bhavani Rajput Shines as UP Yoddhas Triumph Over Jaipur Pink Panthers to Secure Semifinal Spot
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Pune, Dec 26 (NationPress) Bhavani Rajput was in outstanding form as he guided UP Yoddhas to a decisive 48-18 victory against Jaipur Pink Panthers in a lopsided contest during Eliminator 1, kicking off the Playoff rounds of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 and securing a spot in the semifinals at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here on Thursday. The UP Yoddhas delivered a captivating display of kabaddi, led by Bhavani Rajput (12 points) and Hitesh with a High-5. The UP Yoddhas are set to clash against the Haryana Steelers in semifinal 1 on Friday.
Both Jaipur Pink Panthers and UP Yoddhas took a moment to find their rhythm as they cautiously approached the Playoff stage. While the spotlight was initially on Jaipur Pink Panthers’ Arjun Deshwal, the duo of Bhavani Rajput and Bharat propelled the UP Yoddhas into a commanding lead. It only took the UP Yoddhas seven minutes to achieve their first All Out of the match, which put them six points ahead.
The UP Yoddhas’ impressive start allowed them to establish a nine-point lead within the first 10 minutes, leaving the Jaipur Pink Panthers struggling. Their dominance continued as the first half progressed, with Bhavani Rajput leading the offensive charge while the defense provided a solid foundation.
The UP Yoddhas’ defense appeared impenetrable, with Hitesh, Sumit, and Mahender Singh standing firm. With just over a minute remaining in the first half, the UP Yoddhas’ defense executed a second All Out. At the halftime whistle, the UP Yoddhas held a commanding 23-8 lead. They maintained their momentum into the second half, extending their lead and complicating matters for the Jaipur Pink Panthers. In the early moments, Bhavani Rajput secured his Super 10, and Hitesh, Sumit, and Gagan Gowda continued to accumulate points.
Jaipur Pink Panthers appeared demoralized as their raiders struggled to make an impact, and their defense felt the mounting pressure. By the half-hour mark, the Jaipur Pink Panthers found themselves trailing by 26 points. A third All Out by the UP Yoddhas further compounded the woes of the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Although the Season 9 champions had a few bright moments afterward, the UP Yoddhas proved too strong on the day, cruising to victory and advancing to the semifinals where they will meet the Haryana Steelers.
