Telugu Titans pulled off an exciting 44-43 win over leader U. Mumba, after Patna Pirates overwhelmed second-placed Jaipur Pink Panthers 53-29, as Sunday’s schedule of the Pro Kabaddi League provided a sumptuous fare to the spectators, who packed the Port indoor stadium.
Despite the defeat, Mumba and Jaipur continue to be No. 1 and No. 2 on the points table. Patna retained the third position, while Telugu Titans is in sixth behind Bengaluru and Delhi. It was a sterling show by Telugu Titans with Rahul Choudhari scoring 21 points.
He took most of the raids, with Sukesh lending support.
The team’s old habit of allowing the rival team to dominate at the end continued in this match too as Mumba captain Anup Kumar picked up bonus points at ease in the final 10 minutes. He was good in defence too.
But Titans scraped through with Rahul completing a raid safely before the match ended.
All-round showJaipur might have been off-colour, but Patna’s all-round show must be appreciated. Captain Rakesh Kumar, Ravi Dalal and Sandeep Narwal scored points consistently, while Suresh in the left corner and Wasim Sajjad on the right, effectively controlled the rival riders. It was a great combination compared to their rivals.
Jaipur’s main raider Jasvir Singh was ineffective.
Special awards: First match:Best rider and moment of the day: Sandeep Narwal (Patna Pirates); Best defender: Suresh Kumar (Patna).
Second match:Best rider and moment of the day: Rahul Choudhari (Titans); Best defender: Anup Kumar (U. Mumba).
