PKL Season 11: Chauhan Shines as U Mumba Clinches Victory Over Puneri Paltan
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Pune, Dec 3 (NationPress) Former champions U Mumba secured a convincing 43-29 victory over the Puneri Paltan in a Maharashtra Derby during Match 90 of Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) on Tuesday. Although the Puneri Paltan's supporters filled the Badminton Hall at the Balewadi Sports Complex, they had to depart feeling let down.
Ajit Chauhan was a standout performer, scoring 12 points for U Mumba, while Manjeet contributed an additional five points. Defenders Sunil Kumar and Sombir also made significant impacts by registering High-5s. On the other side, Pankaj Mohite was the top scorer for Puneri Paltan with 9 points.
This victory grants U Mumba bragging rights in the Maharashtra Derby, now boasting 11 wins out of 24 encounters against Puneri Paltan. The Season 10 champions, Puneri Paltan, have secured 10 victories in this rivalry, with three matches ending in a tie.
Sombir and Manjeet initiated the scoring for U Mumba, but the Puneri Paltan quickly responded in the early stages. Nevertheless, U Mumba maintained their intensity, accumulating critical points in the first quarter.
Sushil Kumar, Manjeet, and Ajit Chauhan led the charge for U Mumba as they sought to establish an early advantage. Both teams fought fiercely, not allowing the opponent any breathing room. For the Puneri Paltan, Akash Shinde and Abinesh Nadarajan were impactful in the first half, despite trailing on the scoreboard.
Manjeet and Ajit Chauhan consistently troubled the Puneri Paltan as U Mumba began to accelerate their game. In the closing moments of the first half, Pankaj Mohite executed a remarkable three-point raid against U Mumba's defense, giving Puneri Paltan a narrow lead.
Pankaj Mohite continued his assault, and with assistance from the defenders, Puneri Paltan executed a remarkable All Out against U Mumba, taking the lead just before halftime. At the break, Puneri Paltan led 19-16, much to the delight of the Pune crowd.
Chauhan quickly equalized with a stunning Super Raid at the start of the second half, and soon after, he restored U Mumba’s advantage. Within the first six minutes of the second half, Chauhan achieved his Super 10 and executed an All Out against Puneri Paltan. U Mumba dominated, yet the defending champions refused to concede.
As the game approached the half-hour mark, U Mumba held an 8-point lead and effectively stifled the efforts of Pankaj Mohite and V Ajith. As the contest neared its conclusion, Puneri Paltan attempted a final resurgence. Pankaj Mohite had a few successful moments, but Sunil Kumar and Sombir, both of whom achieved their High-5s, were resolute.
Manjeet then initiated another All Out against Puneri Paltan, virtually sealing the outcome of the match. Ultimately, U Mumba exited the mat with a commanding victory in the derby.
