PKL 11: Patna Pirates' Bid for Top 2 Spot Diminished After Stalemate with Gujarat Giants
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Pune, Dec 21 (NationPress) The Patna Pirates mounted a strong comeback, holding the Gujarat Giants to a dramatic tie in an exhilarating match during Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) at the Badminton Hall of the Balewadi Sports Complex here on Saturday. Although the Gujarat Giants maintained the lead for a significant portion of the game, the match concluded with a 40-40 stalemate.
Looking to secure a Top 2 finish, Patna Pirates saw Devank achieving a Super 10, while Sudhakar M. contributed seven points. For the Gujarat Giants, Guman Singh and Jitender Yadav each scored eight points, with Rakesh leading his team with nine points.
The Gujarat Giants started the match at a faster pace than the Patna Pirates. However, after the opening minutes, the Patna Pirates' raiders began to find their rhythm. A rapid three-point raid from Guman Singh and the Gujarat Giants put them in a commanding position after the initial five minutes. They then executed an ALL OUT, extending their lead to six points.
Guman Singh, Neeraj, and Jitender Yadav worked well together, but Devank and Ayan from the Patna Pirates were mounting a comeback. Midway through the first half, the Gujarat Giants held a healthy six-point advantage. Their defense effectively neutralized the threats posed by Devank and Ayan with just under four minutes remaining. In the waning moments of the first half, Devank and Sudhakar began to chip away at the deficit, yet the Gujarat Giants maintained control. At halftime, the Gujarat Giants led 22-18.
After halftime, Devank and the Patna Pirates emerged with renewed energy. Devank initiated the scoring, followed by a defensive All Out, narrowing the gap to just two points. The momentum shifted towards the Patna Pirates as they began to assert their dominance, although the Gujarat Giants managed to cling to their lead.
At the 30-minute mark, the Gujarat Giants possessed a slim one-point lead. However, Devank, Sudhakar, and Navdeep led a spirited comeback. With nine minutes remaining, Ayan leveled the score for the Patna Pirates, but the Gujarat Giants held firm against the pressure. Key Super Tackles from the Gujarat Giants allowed them to regain the lead in the closing stages of the match.
With under four minutes left, the Gujarat Giants held a six-point lead. However, Ayan executed an All Out, drawing the Patna Pirates back within one point of their opponents. Sudhakar M. sought to secure vital points in the final moments, and Devank achieved his Super 10 right at the finish, resulting in both teams sharing the spoils.
