The UP Yoddhas showcased a dominant raiding performance to clinch a crucial 32-31 victory against the Tamil Thalaivas in a captivating Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 12 encounter. Held at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, this marked the Yoddhas’ second consecutive win, propelling them to 8th on the league standings. Guman Singh was the star of the show, amassing eight crucial raid points, closely followed by Gagan Gowda with six. The defensive unit, led by Hitesh’s stellar High Five, effectively neutralized the Thalaivas’ offensive efforts, including Sagar Rathee’s impressive five tackle points.
The initial phase of the match saw both teams exercising caution, with successful defensive plays from both sides. Gagan Gowda broke the deadlock with a vital Do-Or-Die Raid, providing the Yoddhas with an early advantage. While the Yoddhas’ defense, anchored by Mahender Singh, showed early promise by stopping Moein Shafaghi twice, the Tamil Thalaivas gradually found their footing, primarily through the efforts of their lead raider, Arjun Deshwal. Deshwal consistently breached the Yoddhas’ defense, while Sagar Rathee’s strong tackling led to an All Out against the UP side.
Despite the setback, the Yoddhas fought back tenaciously. Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput kept the scoreboard ticking with their sharp raids and crucial touchpoints. The defensive partnership of Mahender and Hitesh also made significant tackles, preventing the Thalaivas from establishing a commanding lead. The first half concluded with the Tamil Thalaivas holding a narrow 17-14 advantage, setting the stage for an intense second half.
The second half commenced with a more measured approach from both sides. However, the UP Yoddhas’ defense soon asserted control, with Hitesh delivering a masterclass in tackling, executing consecutive takedowns on Aashish and Moein Shafaghi, thereby stifling the Thalaivas’ momentum. The game evolved into a tactical battle, but Guman Singh found his offensive stride, delivering a game-changing double-point raid that eliminated key Thalaivas players. Though the Thalaivas attempted a late surge, the Yoddhas maintained their composure, with Guman Singh sealing a remarkable comeback win.
