A Night of Triumphs and Milestones!
In a thrilling night of Pro Kabaddi action, history was made and teams clashed in Chennai! The spotlight shone brightest on Naveen Kumar, who achieved a monumental feat, reaching 1,000 raid points in just 90 matches. His remarkable performance led Dabang Delhi to a decisive 38-29 victory over Bengal Warriors.
Delhi Dominates from the Start:
Kumar and Ashu Malik wasted no time, launching swift raids that gave Delhi a 3-0 lead within minutes. Their relentless pressure paid off as they reduced the Warriors to just two players on the mat. This opened the door for the first “all-out” of the match, a situation where all opposing players are eliminated, putting Delhi ahead 9-2.
Bengal Warriors Fight Back, But Delhi Stays Strong:
Maninder Singh tried to revive the Warriors with a couple of raid points, but Delhi’s defense, led by Ashish, held firm. Kumar then showcased his talent with a fantastic running hand touch, further reducing the Warriors to just two players. This paved the way for another all-out before halftime, giving Delhi a comfortable 23-16 lead.
Second Half Heroes and Historic Moments:
Delhi’s defense continued to shine in the second half, tackling Maninder Singh and Jadhav early on to extend their lead to 27-18. Then, came the magic moment! Naveen Kumar achieved his 1,000th raid point in the Pro Kabaddi League, a milestone witnessed by a roaring crowd.
While Singh and Jadhav tried to spark a comeback for the Warriors, Delhi’s defense remained unyielding, keeping them ahead at 30-20. Kumar continued to rack up points, leaving Dabang Delhi comfortably in control. They held on to win the match with a final score of 38-29.
Haryana Steelers Flex Their Muscles:
In the second match of the evening, the Haryana Steelers dominated Tamil Thalaivas on their home turf, winning 42-29. Thalaivas’ struggles continued, marking their fourth consecutive loss this season. Their lone bright spot was Sahil Gulia, the left corner defender, who scored an impressive 10 tackle points.
Steelers Storm Out of the Gates:
Fueled by their good form, the Steelers started aggressively, establishing a quick 5-1 lead. Both teams focused on strong defense, but the Thalaivas managed an early comeback through two “super tackles,” bringing the score to 6-7.
Vinay’s Dazzling Raid Turns the Tide:
Then, Vinay of the Steelers delivered one of the most sensational raids of the season. Facing a three-man defense, he skillfully evaded multiple defenders and even managed a last-minute touch on Ajinkya Pawar. But that wasn’t all! With incredible backtracking and court awareness, he crossed the midline and triggered an all-out, completely changing the game’s momentum. This single raid set the tone for the rest of the first half, with the Steelers taking a 18-12 lead at the break.
Steelers Maintain Control, Thalaivas Struggle:
Thalaivas had a dismal first 20 minutes, scoring only four raid points. Notably, their star raider Narender, who returned for this match, was even substituted due to their lackluster performance.
The Steelers maintained their advantage throughout the second half, with Shivam Patare stepping up in the raiding department. Thalaivas had a chance to fight back in the 29th minute, but Rahul Sethpal of the Steelers executed a perfect “super tackle” to eliminate Jatin and widen the lead to 29-20.
Super Tackles Keep Steelers Afloat:
Despite being reduced to three players twice in the second half, the Steelers’ defense proved unbreakable. Rahul and Jaideep Dahiya came to the rescue with yet more “super tackles,” ensuring that Thalaivas couldn’t capitalize on their temporary weaknesses.
With five minutes left, the Steelers held a commanding 35-22 lead. Thalaivas made a final push, but another “super tackle” from Mohit sealed the deal for Manpreet Singh’s side. They emerged victorious with a 13-point margin, their biggest win of the season.
The Night Remembered:
This thrilling evening of Pro Kabaddi witnessed Naveen Kumar’s historic milestone, Dabang Delhi’s dominant display, and Haryana Steelers’ crushing victory. While Thalaivas continued to struggle, the other teams showcased their strength and strategic prowess, leaving fans eager for the next round of exciting matches.
