Noida, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Ganga Kings of Mirzapur triumphed over Gazab Ghaziabad, effectively sabotaging their ambitions for a top-four finish in Season 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) during a critical match held in Noida on Thursday.

The first match of the Do-or-Die Week on Day 15 of UPKL Season 2 was crucial for both teams; while the Ganga Kings were already out of the playoff race, Gazab Ghaziabad entered the game positioned fourth and needed a victory to secure their spot.

The match commenced with both teams evenly matched, exchanging raids and tackles during the initial moments. However, as the game unfolded, the Ganga Kings solidified their defense, gaining control of the proceedings. Their defensive discipline bore fruit as they successfully executed two all-outs on Gazab Ghaziabad, establishing a significant lead and shifting the match's momentum in their direction.

In response, Gazab Ghaziabad intensified their efforts in the second half, managing to execute an all-out on the Ganga Kings, momentarily rekindling hopes for a comeback. Nevertheless, the gap remained too substantial to close, and the Ganga Kings expertly navigated the game, preventing Gazab from sustaining the necessary momentum.

As the match drew to a close, the Ganga Kings exhibited remarkable composure under pressure, ensuring that Gazab remained at a distance and ultimately clinching a 44–38 victory. This outcome proved significant in the context of Do-or-Die Week, as the Ganga Kings, despite their exit from top-four contention, disrupted Gazab Ghaziabad's playoff aspirations and added another layer of intrigue to the playoff race.

Later on Day 15 of the Do-or-Die Week, further matches unfolded, including contests between the Lucknow Lions and Brij Stars, Aligarh Tigers and Yamuna Yoddhas, and JD Noida Ninjas and Kashi Kings, each carrying vital implications for the final league standings.

Earlier, Day 14 of UPKL Season 2 showcased high stakes and sharp contrasts as the playoff race intensified. The Kashi Kings maintained their chances with a composed 44–29 victory over the Kanpur Warriors, establishing dominance with a late first-half all-out and managing the game effectively thereafter.

The third match delivered late drama as the Purvanchal Panthers narrowly defeated the JD Noida Ninjas through a 6–5 tie-breaker after a gripping 34–34 draw, demonstrating superior clarity in the decisive moments.

The Sangam Challengers concluded the day with an emphatic performance, overwhelming the Awadh Ramdoots 57–23 with five all-outs, led by the impressive performance of Pankaj Thakur. With only two league days remaining, the race for the top four is finely poised, promising an intense finish.