PKL Season 11: Bengaluru Bulls Stage Dramatic Comeback to Draw with Gujarat Giants in Pune Opener

Pune, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Bengaluru Bulls rallied from a point deficit to achieve a sensational 34-34 draw against the Gujarat Giants in a nail-biting match that marked the beginning of the Pune leg of Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) at the Balewadi Sports Complex’s Badminton Hall on Tuesday.

In Match 89, which commenced the third phase of this season as the league transitioned from Hyderabad and Noida, both squads showcased their skills, ultimately ending with 34 points apiece. For the Bengaluru Bulls, Nitin Rawal secured seven points, while both Pardeep Narwal and Sushil contributed six points each. On the other hand, the Gujarat Giants, who maintained a lead for a significant portion of the match, had Rakesh also scoring seven points, and Neeraj achieving a High-5.

The Gujarat Giants jumped to an early lead, with their defensive unit, spearheaded by Rohit, effectively countering the Bengaluru Bulls’ initial advances. Nevertheless, the defenders from the Bengaluru Bulls matched their intensity, preventing the Gujarat Giants from establishing a commanding lead. After the first five minutes, the Gujarat Giants held a two-point advantage in the defensive duel. Soon after, Parteek Dahiya of the Gujarat Giants began executing swift raids, which gave them crucial momentum. However, the Bengaluru Bulls maintained pressure with Nitin Rawal, Jai Bhagwan, and Parteek performing effectively in their roles.

Pardeep Narwal registered his first points after 12 minutes, and shortly thereafter, the Bengaluru Bulls leveled the score against the Gujarat Giants. Narwal continued to deliver impactful raids in the closing moments of the first half, allowing the Bengaluru Bulls to take the lead at halftime with a score of 15-13.

With Rakesh leading raids for the Gujarat Giants, they commenced the second half with vigor, and Neeraj managed to execute an All Out on the Bengaluru Bulls. The Gujarat Giants regained the lead and aimed to capitalize on their advantage. However, as the half progressed, the Bengaluru Bulls steadily chipped away at the deficit. Jai Bhagwan and Sushil worked together to narrow a five-point gap to just two points. Rakesh continued to make significant contributions with a series of vital raids, enabling the Gujarat Giants to maintain their lead.

With under a quarter of the match remaining, the Gujarat Giants were still in front, but the Bengaluru Bulls were determined to mount a comeback. Nitin Rawal was resolute in defense, while Sushil, Jai Bhagwan, and Pardeep Narwal continued to press forward for the Bulls.

As the match entered its final five minutes, the Gujarat Giants held a five-point advantage. In those last moments, Neeraj and Nitin Rawal both achieved their High-5s for their teams. However, drama unfolded as the teams entered the final thirty seconds with the scores tied, and it remained so as the final whistle blew.