Image courtesy: X(Haryana Steelers)
The Pro Kabaddi League 2024 action on Friday night at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, Greater Noida, delivered everything kabaddi fans could hope for—dominance, drama, and last-second heroics. Haryana Steelers cemented their position atop the table with a resounding 42-30 victory over Tamil Thalaivas, while defending champions Puneri Paltan edged Gujarat Giants 34-33 in a nail-biting encounter.
Haryana Steelers Dominate Tamil Thalaivas
Haryana Steelers showcased their all-around brilliance, delivering a clinical performance that overwhelmed the Tamil Thalaivas.
Early Advantage for the Steelers
Shivam Patare and Vinay set the tone early with relentless raids that kept the Thalaivas’ defense on their heels. The Steelers’ defensive duo, Rahul Sethpal and Naveen, effectively neutralized Tamil Thalaivas’ star raiders, Sachin Tanwar and Moein Shafagi, leaving the Thalaivas struggling to make an impact. The first half ended with the Steelers narrowly ahead at 13-10, thanks to Vinay’s critical raid points and Sethpal’s tackling heroics.
Second-Half Masterclass
The second half saw Haryana Steelers shift gears, extending their dominance. Shivam Patare achieved a personal milestone of 200 Raid Points in the PKL, while Vinay’s electrifying Super Raid brought him into the 100-point club for the season. A decisive “Do-or-Die” raid by Vinay and an “all out” inflicted by Rahul Sethpal sealed the Thalaivas’ fate.
Despite Moein Shafagi’s valiant effort, which included a Super 10, Tamil Thalaivas could not recover from the Steelers’ balanced attack. Vinay ended with nine points, while Rahul Sethpal earned a High 5 with stellar tackles. Naveen and Shivam Patare’s consistent contributions underscored the Steelers’ team-oriented strategy, resulting in a dominant 12-point victory.
Puneri Paltan Prevail in a Last-Second Thriller
The second match of the evening was a masterclass in resilience and clutch performances as Puneri Paltan narrowly defeated Gujarat Giants in a dramatic 34-33 finish.
A Neck-and-Neck Battle
The match began with a bang, as Guman Singh’s explosive 4-point raid gave Gujarat Giants an early lead. However, Puneri Paltan, driven by Akash Shinde and Mohit Goyat, clawed back to level the score at 16-16 by halftime, setting up a thrilling second half.
Image courtesy: X(Puneri Paltan)
Dramatic Second Half
Puneri Paltan started strong after the break, inflicting an “all out” on Gujarat Giants to take the lead. Not to be outdone, the Giants, led by Parteek Dahiya and a rampaging Guman Singh, mounted a spirited comeback, delivering an “all out” of their own to regain the advantage.
Final Moments of Drama
The closing minutes were high on tension and drama. Akash Shinde’s Super 10 performance kept Puneri Paltan in the hunt. With just two minutes remaining, Aryavardhan Navale produced crucial raid points, and a final defensive stand by the Paltan turned the tide.
The decisive moment came when V. Aijith executed a leveling raid, followed by a tackle on Guman Singh in the dying seconds, sealing Puneri Paltan’s one-point victory. Akash Shinde’s 12-point haul and Guman Singh’s heroic 16 points made for one of the most gripping matches of the season.
Takeaways from an Electrifying Night
- Haryana Steelers’ All-Round Excellence
The Steelers’ blend of effective raiding and solid defense has firmly established them as a top contender this season. - Puneri Paltan’s Championship Resilience
Puneri Paltan demonstrated why they are the defending champions, pulling off a win under immense pressure and showcasing their depth in both raiding and defense. - Guman Singh’s Brilliance in Defeat
Gujarat Giants’ loss was heartbreaking, but Guman Singh’s performance was a reminder of the individual brilliance that makes the PKL so thrilling.
With these results, Haryana Steelers remain the team to beat, while Puneri Paltan’s determination signals they are far from relinquishing their title easily. The Pro Kabaddi League continues to thrill fans with its blend of strategy, skill, and sheer athleticism.
