Did Sumit and Gagan Gowda Lead UP Yoddhas to Victory Against Telugu Titans?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- UP Yoddhas showcased remarkable teamwork and resilience.
- Gagan Gowda and Sumit were key players in securing the victory.
- The match featured intense exchanges and tactical gameplay.
- The Titans displayed determination, making a comeback attempt in the second half.
- This match sets a thrilling tone for the rest of the PKL Season 12.
Visakhapatnam (A.P.), Aug 30 (NationPress) The Vishwanadh Sports Club was the stage for an exhilarating season opener on Saturday evening, as the UP Yoddhas kicked off their Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 journey with a thrilling 40-35 victory over the home team, the Telugu Titans. The standout performances of skipper Sumit, with eight points, and Gagan Gowda, who secured an impressive 14-point haul, were crucial in achieving this win, despite Vijay Malik matching them with his own 14 points for the Titans.
Vijay Malik initiated the match with an early hand touch, but the Yoddhas quickly showcased their tenacity. Gagan Gowda made his mark early against Bharat Hooda, leading to both teams exchanging strikes and triggering Do-or-Die raids. Bharat stumbled in his initial two attempts, while Guman Singh's double touch allowed the Yoddhas to take the lead just 10 minutes into the first half, leaving the Titans with only two players on the mat at the timeout.
The first All Out occurred in the eighth minute as skipper Sumit caught Jai Bhagwan, giving the Yoddhas a four-point advantage. Shortly after, Gagan Gowda executed a Super Raid, further extending the lead as the visitors began to control the game. Despite Bharat's efforts, the Titans found it hard to bridge the gap, with the Yoddhas heading into halftime ahead by 21-13.
At the beginning of the second half, the Yoddhas inflicted another All Out, with Sumit achieving his High Five by eliminating Shubham Shinde, pushing the advantage to 11 points. Malik attempted to revive the Titans with a multi-point raid, but Gowda's consistent performance led him to a Super 10. Sumit then executed a Super Tackle on Malik, maintaining the 11-point lead and seemingly putting the game beyond reach.
However, the Titans were not finished yet. They capitalized on the Yoddhas' first All Out of the match, narrowing the lead to just five points. Malik achieved his Super 10 with another multi-point raid and even took down Gowda, igniting hopes for a late comeback. But Gowda sealed the match with a Super Raid in the final moments.
The Yoddhas held their composure in a tense finish to secure a 40-35 victory, marking a strong beginning to their Season 12 campaign.
Sunday's match schedule:
Match 1: Tamil Thalaivas vs U Mumba
Match 2: Bengal Warriorz vs Haryana Steelers