Hyderabad, 5 November 2024 – The Jaipur Pink Panthers, champions of a previous Pro Kabaddi League season, have rekindled their winning form in Season 11 after two losses and a tie. In a tightly contested battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Jaipur pulled off a spectacular win against the UP Yodhas with a final score of 33-30 at the GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli.
This win marked Jaipur’s third victory in the league, propelling them to the third position in the points table. Raider Neeraj Narwal showcased his skills with a commendable nine points, while team captain and star raider Arjun Deshwal added five points, reaching an impressive milestone of 1,000 raid points in the PKL. Despite strong performances from UP Yodhas’ all-rounder Bharat, who scored seven points, and Hitesh and Sumit with five points each, the Yodhas could not avoid their third consecutive defeat.
An Intense Start and Steady Progress
The match began with a balanced approach from both teams, each eager to gain early dominance. Jaipur’s Arjun Deshwal secured the first point for his team through a bonus, while Gagan opened the scoring for UP Yodhas. UP’s defense was initially strong, with Arjun being tackled twice by UP defenders, allowing Yodhas to gain a slight edge at 6-4. However, Jaipur fought back to tie the game at 6-6, marking the beginning of a nail-biting encounter.
The scoreboard saw constant ties at 8-8, 11-11, and 15-15 as both teams refused to back down. As the first half drew to a close, Jaipur gained a slight advantage, going into the break with a 17-15 lead after Arjun’s super tackle on UP’s last two remaining players.
A Gripping Second Half with Strategic Moves
In the second half, UP Yodhas intensified their defense. Early on, Neeraj from UP executed two super tackles, helping them stretch their lead to 21-17. But Jaipur’s resilience shone through as their defenders rallied, managing to level the score at 22-22 by the 32nd minute.
The excitement continued as UP took a 25-22 lead after sending both Jaipur’s captain Arjun and raider Neeraj to the bench. Yet, Jaipur’s momentum grew in the final ten minutes. Neeraj Narwal led the charge with consecutive raid points, while Jaipur’s defenders held strong, reclaiming the lead to 31-28 in the 36th minute. Despite UP’s late efforts to make a comeback, Jaipur held their ground and walked away with a thrilling 33-30 victory.
What’s Next for Jaipur and UP Yodhas?
This win is a morale booster for Jaipur Pink Panthers as they push forward in PKL Season 11, aiming for consistent performances. For UP Yodhas, however, it’s a wake-up call to revisit their strategies, especially in crucial game moments. Both teams have shown immense talent, but it’s Jaipur who emerged victorious in this battle, proving their championship potential once again.
Leave a comment