In a high-energy battle of PKL Season 12, Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi produced one of the most enthralling games of the season, with Puneri Paltan winning 6-5 in the tie-breaker after the scores were tied 38-38 at full time. The hard-fought battle at Thyagaraj Stadium was the 10th tie-breaker of the season, taking Paltan to the number one position in the table based on points difference.
One-Sided Dominant Start by Puneri Paltan Seals the Deal
Puneri Paltan started with a bang in the first half, establishing control early on through dynamic raider pair Pankaj Mohite (7 points) and Aditya Shinde.
The pressure was mounted on Dabang Delhi early on as their main performers, Ajinkya Pawar and Neeraj Narwal, could not find their best form. A swift ALL OUT midway into the first half accorded Paltan a major lead, taking their scoring to 14-7 inside the first 10 minutes.
Ajinkya Pawar Spurs Delhi Comeback
A dodgy beginning was forgotten when Ajinkya Pawar got Dabang Delhi back into the game with a burst of effective raids. He sent out Gaurav Khatri, Gurdeep, and Aslam Inamdar, reducing Paltan to two men.
After a Super Raid and some crucial support from Sandeep, Delhi delivered an ALL OUT of their own, reducing the difference to a mere two points. Ajinkya’s run continued with a Super Raid that killed Pankaj, Gurdeep, and Vishal Bhardwaj, leading Delhi to grab a 21-20 lead at halftime.
Dabang Delhi Surge Ahead in Second Half
Ajinkya finished a Super 10 in the early second half, and Sandeep’s tackle on Aslam and Saurabh Nandal’s High Five moved Puneri Paltan back further. Dabang Delhi executed a second ALL OUT to lead 32-27, seeming to be in control with only one quarter to play.
Late Fightback From Puneri Paltan Forces Tie-Breaker
With only minutes to go, Mohit Goyat came up with game-saving points, including a touch on Fazel Atrachali and Saurabh Nandal, leaving Delhi with a sole player Naveen who was subsequently tackled by Mohit, imposing an ALL OUT over Delhi. The game ended on 38-38 tie, prompting the first tie-breaker of Delhi leg.
Tie-Breaker Drama: Puneri Paltan Hold Their Nerve
During the tie-breaker round:
Aditya Shinde got Surjeet in the first raid
Neeraj Narwal equalized with a bonus
Ajinkya Pawar was tackled to put Paltan one point ahead
Abinesh Nadarajan took out Surjeet Singh
Fazel got a raid point, but Mohit Goyat got a deciding bonus
Aslam Inamdar was tackled but was able to get a bonus that eventually helped Puneri win 6-5 by a narrow margin
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Star Performers – Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi
Pankaj Mohite – 7 raid points
Aslam Inamdar – 6 points and strategic leadership
Ajinkya Pawar – Super 10, led Delhi’s fightback
Saurabh Nandal – High Five with impactful tackles
Mohit Goyat – Game-changing raids in clutch moments
PKL 12 Points Table: Puneri Paltan Climb to the Top
With this heart-stopping victory, Puneri Paltan takes over the PKL 12 points table with a spike to the top, leaving behind numerous teams on points difference. Dabang Delhi K.C., in a good fight, comes up short, missing an opportunity to cement their position at the top.
Upcoming Matches – PKL Season 12 (Monday, October 13)
Match 1: Patna Pirates vs Haryana Steelers
Match 2: UMumba vs UP Yoddhas
ALSO READ: Puneri Paltan vs Tamil Thalaivas: Puneri Paltan Secure Top 8 Position With 36-23 Win
