Pune (Maharashtra), December 15 (ANI): Jaipur Pink Panthers delivered an all-around performance to defeat the Tamil Thalaivas 34-27, keeping their playoff hopes alive in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11. This victory also eliminated the Tamil Thalaivas from the playoffs race.
Match Highlights:
The match started with Arjun Deshwal leading the Jaipur Pink Panthers‘ offensive charge. He scored first with a running hand touch, then combined well with Neeraj Narwal and Abhijeet Malik, establishing an early lead. Tamil Thalaivas briefly fought back with a Super Tackle that sent Arjun Deshwal off the mat, but they couldn’t maintain the momentum.
Jaipur Pink Panthers then went on a six-point streak, with Sai Prasad being caught by Surjeet Singh and Abhishek Manokaran falling to Neeraj Narwal, resulting in an all-out. At halftime, Jaipur Pink Panthers led 20-13.
Second Half:
In the second half, Jaipur Pink Panthers maintained their dominance. Even though Tamil Thalaivas tried to rally through Abhishek and Chandran Ranjith, Jaipur Pink Panthers‘ defense stood strong. Ankush Rathee was exceptional, picking up a High 5 and keeping the Thalaivas’ raiders in check.
As the match neared its end, Jaipur Pink Panthers sealed their win with a seven-point margin, 34-27, effectively eliminating Tamil Thalaivas from playoff contention.
Key Performers:
- Jaipur Pink Panthers:
- Arjun Deshwal: Outstanding in attack, scoring crucial points at key moments.
- Ankush Rathee: Excellent in defense, contributed a High 5.
- Neeraj Narwal: Played a key role in attack, supporting the team effectively.
- Tamil Thalaivas:
- Nitesh Kumar: Defended well, earned a High 5.
- Abhishek: Tried hard in attack but couldn’t turn the game around.
- Chandran Ranjith: Made efforts to lead the team but was unable to make a significant impact.
Playoff Race:
This victory keeps Jaipur Pink Panthers in the playoff race, while the Tamil Thalaivas are now out of contention. They failed to capitalize on key moments and missed the chance to advance.
Upcoming Matches in PKL Season 11:
- Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas – 8:00 PM IST
- Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Bengaluru Bulls – 9:00 PM IST
The Jaipur Pink Panthers will continue to fight for a playoff spot, aiming to perform even better in their upcoming matches.