Hyderabad, October 26, 2024 — The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is back with its 11th season, but for fans of the Telugu Titans, it’s a familiar story of struggle and determination. The Titans lost their third consecutive match this season, succumbing to Dabang Delhi KC in a narrow 37-41 defeat at the GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Despite a valiant effort by star raider Pawan Sehrawat, who scored an impressive 18 points, and a strong performance from Ashish Narwal with 9 points, the Titans were unable to hold off the skilled Delhi side. Dabang Delhi’s Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik each scored 15 points, delivering a powerful performance that ultimately handed the Titans their third defeat in four matches.
Titans’ Strong Start Falls Short
The Telugu Titans, playing on their home turf, entered the match with a goal to turn their season around. Their start looked promising, as they built an early lead in the first half. Pawan Sehrawat, the team’s star raider, showcased his skill with a Super Ten performance, leading the Titans to a 20-15 lead at halftime. Not only did the Titans excel in raiding, but their defensive line also showed strength, managing to knock out Dabang Delhi KC once during the initial half.
At halftime, fans were optimistic about the Titans finally securing a much-needed victory. However, the Titans’ momentum didn’t hold after the break.
A Shifting Momentum in the Second Half
The second half saw a resurgence from Dabang Delhi KC, who quickly shifted the game in their favor. The Titans struggled to score and were held scoreless for the first five minutes of the half. During this time, Dabang Delhi KC took advantage, gaining a series of points that ultimately allowed them to pull ahead. The 24th minute saw a turning point as the Titans were all out, giving Delhi the lead for the first time in the match.
With 10 minutes left, the Titans trailed by six points at 24-30. Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik continued their standout performances, with both players achieving Super Ten status and keeping Delhi in the driver’s seat.
A Close Finish, but Titans Fall Short
Despite the Titans’ best efforts to bridge the gap, they couldn’t regain their footing in the remaining minutes. Pawan Sehrawat and Ashish Narwal continued to fight hard, but Dabang Delhi KC’s well-organized defense and powerful raiders ensured they maintained control. The final score of 41-37 marks Dabang Delhi’s second win in three matches and leaves the Titans with only one victory from their first four matches.
The Road Ahead for Telugu Titans
The Telugu Titans have shown glimpses of potential, particularly in their raiding department led by Pawan Sehrawat. However, consistency has been a challenge, especially in the second halves of games, where defensive lapses have cost them valuable leads. As the Titans prepare for their upcoming matches, fans are hopeful that they can address these issues and find the winning formula that has eluded them so far this season.
For the Titans, their next match will be critical, as they strive to break their losing streak and boost their standings in the Pro Kabaddi League. Fans across Hyderabad and beyond are eager to see their home team make a comeback and fulfill the promise they’ve shown in past seasons.
Conclusion
The Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 is off to an exciting start, with Dabang Delhi KC showcasing their dominance while the Telugu Titans continue to work on finding their rhythm. With dedicated players like Pawan Sehrawat and Ashish Narwal leading the charge, the Titans still have a chance to turn things around. As the season progresses, fans are hopeful for a change in their fortunes and a stronger, more consistent performance from the Telugu Titans.
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