Gujarat Fortune Giants tried their best but it wasn't enough as they went down by a two points against Puneri Paltan at Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on Monday. Giants went down 31-33.
It was first ever win for Puneri Paltan against Gujarat Fortune Giants. This was also second successive loss for the Giants, who lost against U Mumba last week.
It was also match in which Giants defender Parvesh Bhainswal completed his 150 tackle points of PKL.
Soon after the toss, Puneri Paltan drew the first blood and tried to take the control of the mat soon after the first whistle. They got hold of raiding Rohit Gulia before Puneri Paltan main raider Pawan Kadian sent Giants' Parvesh Bhainswal with a running hand touch. Anoop Kumar's boys led 1-3 at the end of the quarter of the first half.
Giants' captain Sunil Kumar introduced another all-rounder GB More, who instantly repaid faith of his skipper. With his excellent kick More not only reduced the margin by one point but also set the much needed momentum.
Soon Giants were on the equal terms with Paltan. Rohit Gulia came to party when he with a running hand touch got Paltan raider Manjeet to put Gujarat ahead - 7-6. In his next successive raids Gulia had a big catches in form of Girish Ernak and Surjeet. It was enough to inflict first all-out in the 15th minute.
Back at full strength, Paltan got hold of Sachin and then Gulia to make a comeback in the match. At half time Gujarat Fortune Giants led 17-14.
Paltan came strongly in the second half with three Giants remaining on the mat. Coach Manpreet Singh sent Sonu Jaglan for damage control but unfortunately Giants conceded an all-out four minutes into the second half and took a crucial two point lead - 18-20.
Gaints were also guilty of few unforced errors in a tensely fought contest. Sachin, who looked in his elements tried to revive the fortunes of Giants with couple of two point raids.
Paltan playing defensive game managed to keep a distance of at least two points. When the umpire blew final whistle it was 33-31 in favour of Paltan.
Vikas
A startup enthusiast based in Bengaluru. Extremely passionate about Kabaddi hopes to establish an online university on Kabaddi Skills to help the sport grow at grass root level. When free he can be seen reading, watching movies, cooking or immersed in planning his next travel destination!
