Can the Jaipur Pink Panthers Overcome the Haryana Steelers in PKL 12?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Aryan Kumar achieved a High Five, demonstrating exceptional skills.
- Nitin Kumar was instrumental with seven points, leading his team.
- The match was marked by intense defensive plays from both teams.
- The victory eliminated the defending champions, the Haryana Steelers.
- The Pink Panthers showcased their resilience and tactical acumen throughout the match.
New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) Aryan Kumar achieved a remarkable High Five and Deepanshu Khatri contributed four points as the Jaipur Pink Panthers clinched a narrow yet significant 30-27 victory against the Haryana Steelers in Play-in 1 of the 12th Season of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 held at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. Nitin Kumar added seven points, with the Pink Panthers' defenders showcasing their strength as the match reached its climax. For the Steelers, Neeraj's High Five stood out as a key moment.
The match began with both teams exchanging blows in a dynamic first 10 minutes. Nitin Kumar initiated the scoring for the Pink Panthers by taking down Neeraj, but soon Shivam Patare retaliated by dismissing Deepanshu Khatri. The early minutes saw impressive performances from both raiders and defenders alike.
Reza Mirbagheri tackled Vinay, followed by Mohit taking down Shivam, while Neeraj executed an ankle hold on Ali Samadi. Despite these fierce exchanges, the Pink Panthers managed to hold a slight lead as their defenders made crucial contributions. Deepanshu got his revenge on Shivam, and Ali Samadi's successful do-or-die raid on Rahul Sethpal concluded the first quarter at 9-5.
As the second quarter progressed, the defending champions faced mounting pressure from Pink Panthers’ Nitin Kumar. He started with a two-point raid against the Steelers, sending Ashish Narwal and Neeraj to the bench while leaving only Jaideep on the mat. Mohit then tackled Jaideep, resulting in the first All Out of the match against the Steelers.
This extended the Pink Panthers' lead to six points. Although the Steelers’ Vinay managed to score a bonus point, the Pink Panthers remained assertive. Ali Samadi successfully raided Jaideep, followed by Deepanshu tackling Shivam once more, and a final tackle from Aryan Kumar on Vinay brought the score to 18-10 in favor of the two-time champions.
The Steelers fought hard to stay competitive in the match. Neeraj tackled Parvinder, and Shivam took down Mohit in a commendable raid, narrowing the lead to six points. However, the Pink Panthers consistently countered their moves.
Nitin Kumar eliminated Sahil Narwal, and Deepanshu secured his fourth tackle point of the night against Shivam. Vinay managed a point from Reza Mirbagheri, but had to exit after entering the lobby. Jaideep tackled Ali Samadi in a do-or-die raid, leaving the score at 22-16 by the end of the third quarter.
After the Strategic Time Out, the Pink Panthers maintained their grip on the match. Shivam Patare eliminated Ali Samadi, but Vinay was tackled again. With just four minutes remaining, the Steelers were on the brink of elimination in PKL 12. At this critical moment, Ashish Narwal entered the game.
Ashish scored two consecutive raid points, first against Mohit and then Aryan. Shivam managed a touch point on Deepanshu, and then Neeraj eliminated Sahil, leaving only Pink Panthers’ captain Nitin Rawal on the mat. He was ultimately tackled by Ashish Narwal, causing an All Out against the Pink Panthers and leveling the score.
With just two minutes remaining, the Pink Panthers regained the lead after an error from Ashish Narwal allowed Nitin Kumar to score another touch point. The Steelers also lost Sahil Narwal to a yellow card, giving the two-time PKL champions an upper hand. A tackle on Vinay by Aryan, which completed his High Five, effectively ensured the Pink Panthers' victory, eliminating the defending champions from the tournament after a narrow three-point loss.