PKL 11: UP Yoddhas Clinch Third Position with Dominant Win Against Bengaluru Bulls
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Pune, Dec 24 (NationPress) In an exhilarating Pro Kabaddi League encounter, UP Yoddhas solidified their position in third place on the league table with a commanding 44-30 victory over Bengaluru Bulls. The spotlight was particularly on PKL icon Pardeep Narwal, who celebrated a significant achievement by crossing the milestone of 1,800 raid points.
An all-around performance led by Shivam Choudhary not only underscored their championship ambitions but also secured their spot in eliminator 1 against the sixth-placed contender, while Patna Pirates finished in fourth place.
The first half was closely contested, with Bengaluru Bulls taking a narrow 19-18 lead at halftime, having initially squandered an early 11-3 advantage. The Bulls started strong with Sushil's aggressive raiding and robust defensive plays, which led to the first All Out of the match. However, the Yoddhas staged a remarkable comeback, executing their own All Out to close the gap to 15-13.
A significant moment in the first half was Pardeep Narwal's landmark achievement as he reached 1,800 Raid Points in the PKL, accomplishing this feat with a bonus point during a raid against the Yoddhas' defense.
This moment shifted the momentum, as the UP Yoddhas showcased a coordinated defense and effective raiding from Surender Gill and Shivam Chaudhary, allowing them to erase a seven-point deficit and briefly tie the scores before the Bulls took a one-point lead at halftime.
The second half saw a dramatic change in the flow of the game as UP Yoddhas seized control, ultimately building a commanding 44-30 lead by the final whistle. The pivotal point occurred around the 31-minute mark when the Yoddhas executed another All Out on the Bulls, establishing a crucial six-point advantage.
Shivam Chaudhary played a vital role during this phase, consistently scoring points through successful raids, including a remarkable leap over the Bulls' defense. Despite efforts from Pardeep Narwal and Sushil to keep the Bulls competitive, the UP Yoddhas' defense stood strong, with Sahul Kumar and Gangaram making essential tackles.
In the closing moments, the UP Yoddhas continued to assert their dominance, with Shivam Chaudhary delivering the decisive blow by leading another All Out against the Bulls. Heidarali Ekrami fittingly sealed the match with a successful raid, solidifying the UP Yoddhas' impressive 14-point victory.
