PKL 11: U Mumba Moves Closer to Playoffs with Victory Over Patna Pirates

Pune, Dec 19 (NationPress) U Mumba displayed exceptional skill with Ajith Chauhan leading in offense and Sunil Kumar managing the defense, as they effectively countered the challenge posed by Patna Pirates during a Season 11 encounter of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) at the Badminton Hall of Balewadi Sports Complex on Thursday. The final score was U Mumba 43 - Patna Pirates 37.

Interestingly, if Jaipur Pink Panthers can secure at least a draw against Bengal Warriorz on Friday, both U Mumba and the defending champions from Season 10 will secure the last two playoff spots.

Manjeet and Devank initiated scoring for U Mumba and Patna Pirates, respectively. Following this, Manjeet executed a two-point raid, supported by a solid tackle from Lokesh Ghosliya, enabling U Mumba to establish an early 3-point lead. Rohit Raghav also contributed significantly as U Mumba continued to expand their advantage.

Eight minutes into the match, Ajith Chauhan ignited his performance with a three-point Super Raid, leading to an All Out against their rivals that increased their lead to 7 points. While Ajith Chauhan and his teammates worked to keep the Patna Pirates at bay, Devank was gaining momentum, threatening to shift the balance.

The defensive trio of Lokesh, Rinku, and Sunil Kumar had different plans, managing to maintain distance from the Patna Pirates. By halftime, Ajith Chauhan was on the verge of achieving another Super 10, with U Mumba leading 24-14.

The second half commenced at a slower pace than the first. In just a few minutes, Ajith Chauhan completed his Super 10, followed by inflicting another All Out on the Patna Pirates. With 15 minutes left, U Mumba was firmly in control, boasting a 12-point lead.

Despite Devank not having his best game, Sudhakar M made efforts to keep the Patna Pirates competitive. At the 30-minute mark, Patna Pirates, who had already secured their playoff qualification, found themselves trailing by 10 points. U Mumba showed no signs of yielding, with Ajith Chauhan seeking additional raid points and Sunil Kumar along with his teammates fortifying the defense.

Sunil Kumar achieved his High-5 in the concluding minutes of the match, with his fellow defenders making crucial contributions to prevent any comeback from the Patna Pirates. Just before the match concluded, the Patna Pirates experienced an All Out, and Devank completed his Super 10. However, this was insufficient, as U Mumba ultimately secured the victory.

For U Mumba, Ajith Chauhan amassed 15 points, while Sunil Kumar achieved a High-5. Conversely, Devank scored 12 points, Ayan contributed 7, and Sudhakar M added 5 for the Patna Pirates.