Pune (Maharashtra), December 15 (ANI): UP Yoddhas continued their push for the playoffs in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11, securing a 30-27 win over U Mumba in a closely-fought contest at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Sports Complex on Sunday. The victory propelled UP Yoddhas to third place on the points table, bringing them one step closer to securing a playoff spot.
Match Highlights:
The match was a nail-biting affair, with both teams showing their intent to stay in the playoff race. Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput were the standout performers for UP Yoddhas, leading the attack and making crucial contributions throughout the match.
The game started with U Mumba’s Manjeet taking charge, putting his team ahead with a strong raid, evading Ashu Singh and Mahender Singh. The momentum shifted back and forth as Bhavani Rajput executed a well-timed do-or-die raid, bringing Lokesh Ghosliya to the midline.
Manjeet was in fine form, showcasing his skills with a successful running hand touch on Ashu Singh. Ajit Chouhan, widely regarded as the season’s best NYP, made an impact with multiple successful raids, further intensifying the contest.
For UP Yoddhas, Gagan Gowda’s raids were briefly contained by Rinku, but defensive efforts from Hitesh and Bharat helped keep them in the game. The match remained tight, with both teams exchanging points rapidly, creating a thrilling contest for the fans.
By half-time, UP Yoddhas had a narrow lead of 13-12, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Second Half Drama:
The second half began with Ajit Chouhan taking advantage of a defensive error by Mahender Singh, pushing through to the midline. However, Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda continued to lead UP Yoddhas’ charge, keeping them in contention.
The match swung in UP Yoddhas’ favour in the 10th minute when Amirmohammad Zafardanesh stepped into the lobby, causing confusion. This allowed Bhavani Rajput to inflict the first all-out on U Mumba, giving UP Yoddhas a crucial advantage.
As the match neared its end, Rohit Raghav executed a brilliant two-point raid that led to the benches of Ashu Singh and Mahender Singh. This, combined with a bonus point by Keshav Kumar and a tackle by Rinku, resulted in another all-out on U Mumba.
Match-Winning Moment:
With the game nearing its conclusion, substitute Sahul Kumar delivered the final blow with a decisive tackle on Rohit Raghav, securing a two-point victory for UP Yoddhas.
Top Performers:
- UP Yoddhas:
- Gagan Gowda: Key raids throughout the match
- Bhavani Rajput: Crucial raids and leadership
- Rohit Raghav: Two-point raid and crucial moments
- U Mumba:
- Manjeet: Strong start and consistent raids
- Ajit Chouhan: Impactful raids and tackles
- Rinku: Defensive efforts
Upcoming Matches in PKL Season 11 (December 16):
- Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas – 8:00 PM IST
- Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Bengaluru Bulls – 9:00 PM IST
With this victory, UP Yoddhas take another significant step toward the playoffs, while U Mumba will need to regroup and bounce back in their remaining matches to stay in the hunt.
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