PKL 11: UP Yoddhas Overcome Top-Ranked Haryana Steelers, Move Closer to Playoffs
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Pune, Dec 17 (NationPress) The UP Yoddhas clinched a vital victory to bolster their playoff aspirations by overcoming the Haryana Steelers with a score of 31-24 in Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) held at the Badminton Hall in the Balewadi Sports Complex on Tuesday. Bhavani Rajput emerged as the key player, contributing 11 points as the team, guided by Jasveer Singh, ascended to third position in the standings, remaining unbeaten in their seventh consecutive match.
The Haryana Steelers commenced the match with a strong start when Vinay successfully executed a Do-Or-Die raid, taking out Sumit and Mahender Singh. However, the UP Yoddhas quickly responded, with Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi tackling Shivam Patare and Bhavani Rajput eliminating Sanjay, while Mohammadreza Shadloui stepped out of bounds, leveling the score.
A crucial tackle on Vinay left the Haryana Steelers with only Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal on the mat. Nonetheless, they managed a remarkable Super Tackle to send Bhavani Rajput off the field, intensifying the pressure on their rivals.
The initial half was fiercely contested, showcasing both teams' remarkable skills and strategies. The turning point came when Bhavani Rajput executed a dazzling Super Raid, evading multiple tackles and ultimately causing an All Out that leveled the scores.
Vishal Tate and Shivam Patare made notable contributions for the Haryana Steelers, while Bharat Hooda and young Sahil fought to keep the UP Yoddhas competitive. At halftime, the UP Yoddhas held a narrow 15-13 advantage, setting the stage for an electrifying second half.
A shift in momentum allowed the UP Yoddhas to diminish the threat posed by the table leaders. In the third quarter, the Haryana Steelers managed only three points, while the UP Yoddhas scored 11 points, thanks to another All Out led by Bhavani Rajput, who took down N. Manikandan and Rahul, dismantling the Haryana Steelers.
Bhavani secured his Super 10 in style by taking out Mohammadreza Shadloui and Rahul Sethpal, establishing a commanding lead for his team as they edged closer to playoff qualification. Unfortunately for the Haryana Steelers, their semifinal hopes took a hit with this being their second consecutive defeat, losing by seven points.
