PKL Season 11: Dabang Delhi Secures 2nd Place with 14-Point Triumph over Gujarat Giants
Click to start listening
Pune, Dec 23 (NationPress) The formidable Dabang Delhi K.C. has officially clinched the second semifinal position in the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) following a decisive 41-35 victory against the Gujarat Giants at the Badminton Hall located in the Balewadi Sports Complex on Monday. This remarkable win for the champions of season 8 has extended their unbeaten streak to 15 matches, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten run in PKL history. Ashu Malik once again emerged as the standout performer, accumulating 14 points and achieving his 18th Super 10 of the season.
The first half was an exhilarating display as both the Gujarat Giants and Dabang Delhi K.C. engaged in a tightly contested encounter, with the match starting on an even footing as both teams exchanged bonus points. The Gujarat Giants initially took the lead with Rakesh's toe touch, establishing an early 4-2 advantage. They maintained their pressure and executed an All Out on Dabang Delhi K.C., extending their lead to 10-5 by the eighth minute.
Nonetheless, Dabang Delhi K.C. staged an impressive comeback in the latter part of the half. A pivotal moment occurred during Ashu Malik's Super Raid, where he scored four vital points. Although Gujarat's attempt to challenge a boundary line decision was unsuccessful, the momentum shifted in favor of Delhi.
Ashu Malik showcased his effectiveness by securing multiple points through running hand touches and kicks. Despite some solid moments from the Gujarat Giants' defense, they struggled to contain the Dabang Delhi K.C. raiders towards the end of the half, resulting in an ALL OUT on the Gujarat Giants as well. The half concluded dramatically with Dabang Delhi K.C. holding a slender 20-17 lead at halftime.
As the second half commenced, Dabang Delhi K.C. asserted their dominance. Ashu Malik continued to shine, achieving a Super 10 and consistently breaching the Gujarat Giants' defense. Despite a Super Tackle and robust defensive efforts from Jitender Yadav, Dabang Delhi K.C. gradually increased their advantage.
A critical All Out inflicted on Gujarat Giants at the 32-minute mark proved to be decisive, as Dabang Delhi K.C. established a commanding 31-24 lead. Even as the Gujarat Giants attempted to rally through strategic Do-Or-Die raids, Dabang Delhi K.C.'s defense remained resolute.
In the final moments of the match, Dabang Delhi K.C. executed their fourth All Out on the Gujarat Giants; however, the Giants managed to counter with a super raid. The highlight of the concluding stages was Naveen Kumar reaching his milestone 1100th PKL Raid Point, adding a resounding exclamation point to Dabang Delhi K.C.'s victory.
