PKL 11: U Mumba Secures Final Playoff Berth with Victory Over Bengal Warriorz
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Pune, Dec 24 (NationPress) The U Mumba have successfully secured their place in the PKL Season 11 Playoffs, taking the fifth position on the points table after defeating the Bengal Warriorz at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Sports Complex on Tuesday.
In Match 132, U Mumba triumphed with a score of 36-27, successfully concluding a thrilling league phase. For U Mumba, Amirmohammad Zafardanesh contributed 7 points, while Sunil Kumar achieved a High-5 and Ajith Chauhan added 6 points. On the other side, Pranay Rane of Bengal Warriorz led his team with 12 points.
Bengal Warriorz started the match on a high note, taking an early lead of 2 points. However, Manjeet and Sunil Kumar quickly turned the tide, allowing U Mumba to get ahead. Pranay Rane was a standout performer for Bengal Warriorz, although Ajith Chauhan faced challenges at the beginning.
As the game progressed, Pranay Rane put in a tremendous effort, evident in the scores as U Mumba began to play catch-up. Yet, U Mumba found their rhythm with Ajith Chauhan, Parvesh Bhainswal, and Sunil Kumar forming a solid defense. Ajith Chauhan’s series of raids propelled U Mumba to a 4-point lead with just 4 minutes left in the first half. Sunil Kumar then executed an All Out, allowing the Season 2 champions to gain control. By halftime, U Mumba was in the lead at 18-10.
U Mumba, who last reached the playoffs in Season 7, started the second half with increased intensity as Amirmohammad Zafardanesh opened with a three-point lead. They were on track to secure the fifth spot in the standings. Seven minutes into the second half, Bengal Warriorz faced another All Out, which extended U Mumba’s lead to 14 points. Meanwhile, Nitesh Kumar registered another High-5 for Bengal Warriorz, alongside Pranay Rane.
Shortly thereafter, Pranay Rane achieved his Super 10, but this was followed by an All Out against U Mumba. Bengal Warriorz was poised for a comeback, trailing by only 7 points with under 7 minutes remaining. Pranay Rane and Nitesh Kumar were causing some tense moments for U Mumba in the closing stages.
Nevertheless, U Mumba had done enough to secure a morale-boosting victory, clinching the fifth position on the points table.
