Did Purvanchal Panthers Stun Kanpur Warriors to Survive Do-or-Die Week in UPKL Season 2?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Purvanchal Panthers secured a vital victory against Kanpur Warriors.
- Hritik Rathi emerged as a key player with 14 raid points.
- Shivam Teotia anchored the defense with nine tackle points.
- The match was vital for maintaining playoff hopes.
- Upcoming matches will be crucial as competition tightens.
Noida, Jan 6 (NationPress) Purvanchal Panthers showcased an essential and morale-boosting display on Day 13 of the do-or-die week in Season 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), triumphing over Kanpur Warriors with a score of 45–30, thereby keeping their hopes alive in the ongoing competition held in Noida on Tuesday.
The match commenced with both teams approaching cautiously, with Kanpur Warriors striving to establish early dominance. However, Purvanchal Panthers maintained their composure, navigating tough situations and ensuring the first half remained tightly contested, with neither side gaining a significant edge before halftime.
The second half saw a decisive shift in momentum. Purvanchal Panthers demonstrated remarkable resilience under pressure, executing a series of strategic super tackles that curtailed Kanpur’s advancement. Building upon this defensive effort, they inflicted two all-outs on Kanpur Warriors, turning the match in their favor. As their defense tightened, the raiding squad became increasingly aggressive and assertive, allowing Purvanchal to gradually widen their lead.
Key to the victory was raid leader Hritik Rathi, who contributed 14 raid points, consistently penetrating the Kanpur defense at crucial junctures. Meanwhile, Shivam Teotia anchored the defense adeptly, accumulating nine tackle points, thus thwarting any potential comeback from Kanpur.
Ultimately, Purvanchal Panthers secured a convincing 45–30 win, a result that caught many off guard and was critical in sustaining their playoff ambitions as UPKL Season 2 progresses into its pivotal phase.
On the previous day, Day 12 of UPKL Season 2 unfolded at the Noida Indoor Stadium, attracting television personalities Anup Upadhyay and Vishwajeet Soni. On the mat, Yamuna Yoddhas narrowly defeated Ganga Kings of Mirzapur 49–44 in an exhilarating encounter, clinching victory with a last-minute all-out.
Lucknow Lions asserted their dominance over Aligarh Tigers with a score of 52–35, executing early all-outs and controlling the match throughout. Meanwhile, Kashi Kings made a strong comeback, defeating Purvanchal Panthers 52–32 following an impressive second half. With only a handful of matches left, the competition for the top spots has intensified significantly.