Puneri Paltans fought back to force a tie at 30-30 against the powerful Patna Pirates, which had entered this match on the back of five wins in a row, in a thrilling ProKabaddi League match here on Thursday evening.
Ajay Thakur (seven raid points), Manjeet Chillar (three raid and four defence points) muscled in with their experience for the hosts at the Balewadi stadium.
Pardeep Narwal (11 raid / three defence points) stole the show for the visitors.
While Puneri captain Manjeet’s successful raid brought the crowd to its feet, it was the more skilful Patna raiders who helped their team lead 12-4 after getting the rivals all-out for the first time.
Then a Patna all-out helped the hosts narrow the deficit, before a super raid by Narwal in the 20th minute saw the visitors finish 20-16 ahead at the break.
But Puneri was very much in the game, despite Manjeet getting caught in the Patna net. The home team replied by trapping Rajesh Mondal and before the cheer in the stands died down Thakur had earned a raid point.
With eight minutes remaining, the hosts bagged a raid point, before captain Manjeet’s challenge of a decision proved successful.
Two points separated the sides when Narwal tagged two opponents to help Patna nose ahead 30-27, before the home team drew level and force a points split after trailing for a major part of the game.
The results: Puneri Paltans 30 (Ajay Thakur 7, Manjeet Chillar 7) drew with Patna Pirates 30 (Pardeep Narwal 14).
Wednesday’s results: At Kolkata: Bengal Warriors bt Jaipur Pink Panthers 34-20; U Mumba bt Bengaluru Bulls 29-28.
