The UP Yoddhas continued their winning streak in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 12, securing a dramatic 32-31 victory over the Tamil Thalaivas at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. This second consecutive win sees the Yoddhas climb to 8th in the league table, with their raiding stars Guman Singh and Gagan Gowda leading the charge. Guman bagged eight raid points, and Gagan added six, forming a potent offensive partnership. The defensive effort, highlighted by Hitesh’s High Five, was equally crucial in securing the win.
The match started on a cautious note, with both teams focusing on defensive solidity. Gagan Gowda’s successful do-or-die raid provided an early spark for the Yoddhas. The UP defense, coordinated by Mahender Singh, made early inroads by stopping Moein Shafaghi multiple times. However, the Tamil Thalaivas, spearheaded by Arjun Deshwal’s sharp raiding, gradually took control of the game. Deshwal’s consistent scoring from the corners, coupled with Sagar Rathee’s defensive tackles, led to an All Out against the Yoddhas, giving the Thalaivas a lead.
Undeterred, the UP Yoddhas mounted a strong comeback. Gagan Gowda’s sharp raiding continued to put pressure on the Thalaivas’ defense, and Bhavani Rajput contributed vital points in do-or-die situations. The defensive efforts of Mahender and Hitesh played a key role in preventing the Thalaivas from extending their lead significantly. The first half concluded with the score at 17-14 in favor of the Tamil Thalaivas, promising an exciting second half.
The second half witnessed a remarkable turnaround orchestrated by the UP Yoddhas’ defense. Hitesh was a defensive colossus, delivering crucial back-to-back tackles that halted the Thalaivas’ scoring momentum. The game intensified, with Guman Singh finding his raiding rhythm and delivering impactful raids, including a significant double-point raid. Despite the Thalaivas’ late efforts to regain the lead, the UP Yoddhas’ resilience and Guman Singh’s clinical finishing ensured a hard-earned 32-31 victory for his team.