Pune: The Patna Pirates secured a thrilling victory against Dabang Delhi KC in Semi-Final 2 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11, winning 32-28 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune. This nail-biting contest saw the Pirates showcase their mettle in a high-stakes game, propelling them to their sixth PKL final.
Dominance in the First Half
The Pirates began the match with a blistering performance, led by their star raider Devank, who reached the milestone of 300 career raid points during the game. Devank wasted no time, executing three successive successful raids to give his team an early lead.
Shubham Shinde’s defensive masterclass was evident as he tackled Delhi’s Ashu Malik, putting Delhi in a precarious position. The Pirates capitalized on this momentum, forcing an all-out and extending their lead to 17-10 by halftime. The defensive prowess of Shinde and Deepak was instrumental in keeping Delhi’s raiders, including the dynamic Naveen Kumar, at bay.
Delhi’s Spirited Comeback
Dabang Delhi KC, known for their resilience, clawed their way back into the match in the second half. Mohit’s Super Raid and Ashu Malik’s two-point raid brought them within striking distance, reducing the gap to just four points. Rahul and Yogesh further boosted Delhi’s defense, which temporarily neutralized Devank and shifted the momentum.
With less than seven minutes remaining, a do-or-die raid by Yogesh gave Delhi their first lead of the evening at 25-24. This set the stage for a pulsating final phase, with both teams locked in a point-for-point battle.
Patna Pirates’ Late Surge
In the closing moments, the Pirates relied on their seasoned players to seal the game. Shubham Shinde, who recorded a High-5 with five successful tackles, and Ankit’s crucial takedown on Naveen Kumar turned the tide in Patna’s favor. Ayan’s decisive two-point raid in the dying seconds ensured that the Pirates maintained their slender advantage.
The match ended with the Pirates triumphing 32-28, demonstrating their ability to hold their nerve under pressure and execute a flawless strategy in the crunch moments.
Looking Ahead: PKL Season 11 Final
With this victory, the Patna Pirates have set up a clash with the Haryana Steelers in the grand final, scheduled for Sunday, December 29. The Pirates, three-time PKL champions, will be aiming to secure their fourth title and extend their dominance in the league.
The final promises to be a spectacle as two of the league’s top-performing teams go head-to-head, with fans eagerly anticipating a high-octane showdown.
Key Performers of the Match:
- Patna Pirates:
- Devank: Key raider with milestone achievement and consistent performance.
- Shubham Shinde: High-5 with five successful tackles.
- Ayan: Delivered crucial raids in the final moments.
- Dabang Delhi KC:
- Mohit: Instrumental with a Super Raid and defensive contributions.
- Ashu Malik: Significant raids in the second half.
- Yogesh: Turned the match with a do-or-die raid.
The Pirates’ march to the final underscores their resilience and tactical acumen, setting the stage for a fitting finale to the PKL Season 11.
