Tamil Thalaivas vs Bengaluru Bulls: The Tamil Thalaivas vs Bengaluru Bulls match of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 was every bit a cliff-hanger, as the Bulls took sweet revenge for their previous loss in a 33-29 narrow victory at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai last night.
This closely fought duel witnessed excellent performances from Alireza Mirzaian, who had a Super 10, and Sanjay Dhull, who provided a vital High Five, as Arjun Deshwal crossed a career milestone of 1300 PKL points for the Thalaivas.
Alireza Mirzaian Paces the Way Early On
Bengaluru Bulls began the game with great energy. Raider Alireza Mirzaian was quick from the beginning, and Yogesh was solid at the back. Their attacking style kept Tamil Thalaivas on their toes and resulted in early mistakes and a narrow margin on the scoreboard.
Thalaivas Fight Back Through Nitesh and Deshwal
The Tamil Thalaivas quickly retaliated, with Nitesh Kumar making a strong tackle on Aashish Malik, putting them in their first lead of the evening. With the score level at 9-9 at the end of the first quarter, both teams were equally matched and exchanged points in each raid and tackle.
Deshwal’s All-Out Turns the Momentum
When the second quarter started, the intensity of the game remained the same. Though Mirzaian and Deepak Sankar played well for the Bulls, the Thalaivas’ pair of Arjun Deshwal and Rohit Beniwal put the pressure on. The tiebreaker came when Deshwal’s raid caused an All-Out on the Bulls, making the momentum tilt in the direction of the Thalaivas.
However, it was Sanjay and Deepak Sankar who kept the Bulls in contention with sound defending. At the half, Tamil Thalaivas were just $18-17. The final half was sure to be a nailbiter.
Second Half: Bulls Edge Ahead in Close Finish
Play strength was carried into the second half as both teams traded off-blows to establish control. Deepak Sankar delivered decisive tackles on Arjun Deshwal and Himanshu to get the Bulls back ahead. Alireza Mirzaian continued to tick the score on successful raids, including taking Nitesh Kumar to the bench.
Although Beniwal’s Do-Or-Die raid put momentum on their side momentarily, the Bulls’ defence did not waver. With 30 minutes gone, the Bengaluru Bulls led 23-21 in a still narrow game.
Sanjay’s Last-Minute Super Tackle Seals the Game
The last 10 minutes were a display of nerve and strategy. Arjun Deshwal, now over 1300 PKL points, kept going for Thalaivas but Sanjay’s defensive excellence was the difference.
In the final moments of play, Sanjay produced a Super Tackle to not only stop the momentum of the Thalaivas but end the game for the Bulls. The Tamil Thalaivas vs Bengaluru Bulls game ended as a comeback victory for the Bulls, 33-29, in an effort to get back at the Thalaivas for earlier in the season.
| Top Performers | Tamil Thalaivas | Bengaluru Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Top Raider | Arjun Deshwal (1300 PKL points) | Alireza Mirzaian (Super 10) |
| Top Defender | Nitesh Kumar, Ronak | Sanjay Dhull (High Five) |
| Game-Changing Moment | Deshwal’s All-Out | Sanjay’s final-minute Super Tackle |
| Halftime Score | 18-17 | |
| Full-Time Score | 29-33 |
What’s Next in PKL 12? – October 6 Fixtures
Match 1: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C.
Match 2: UP Yoddhas vs Patna Pirates
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