Bengaluru Bulls got off the mark in the 12th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League with a 38-30 win over the Patna Pirates in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, while the Gujarat Giants got the better of Tamil Thalaivas 37-28.
The clash saw Alireza Mirzaian secure a well-deserved Super 10, well supported by Aashish Malik’s eight points, as the Bengaluru side rebounded from their three consecutive losses.
The Pirates and the Bulls had a cautious start in the opening 10 minutes, with defences holding firm. Patna led 8-6 at the 10-minute mark, thanks to the tackling efforts of Deepak and Sanket Sawant, who combined effectively.
Raider Ayan Lohchab, who eventually achieved a Super 10 for the Pirates, contributed a few points to give Patna the edge after a slow start. For the Bulls, raider Ganesha Hanamantagol looked energetic but was contained on key occasions, including a crucial tackle by Sawant that stalled the Bulls’ momentum.
With Maninder Singh yet to make an impact and the Pirates capitalising on defensive lapses, the opening phase slightly favoured Patna. The first half saw momentum swing both ways, with Ayan producing a moment of brilliance for the Pirates. His decisive raid eliminated Sanjay Dhull and Jitender Yadav, inflicting an All Out on Bengaluru Bulls and briefly tilting the game in Patna’s favour.
However, Bengaluru mounted a sharp comeback. Led by Alireza and Aashish Malik, the Bulls responded with an All Out of their own, overturning the deficit. Sanjay’s key tackles further frustrated the Pirates, ensuring that by halftime, the Bulls had pulled ahead 19-15.
The second half began with Sudhakar executing a brilliant raid that sent Yogesh and Satyappa off the mat, giving Patna a much-needed boost. Ayan also stepped up under pressure to dismiss Yogesh, keeping the Pirates within striking distance.
But the Bulls showed their composure, with Alireza continuing his fine form. His Do-Or-Die raid dismissing Deepak and Sanket was a key moment, while Deepak’s tackles proved decisive in halting the Pirates’ advances.
Though Patna kept fighting, Bengaluru’s defence absorbed the pressure and maintained their slender 24-21 lead, ensuring a crucial final 10 minutes. The final 10 minutes saw Patna Pirates give their all, but the Bulls’ defence stood firm.
The decisive blow came when the Bulls inflicted a crucial All Out on Patna. That collapse stretched the Bulls’ lead beyond reach and shifted the game firmly in their favour. Alireza completed his Super 10 in style, with his final successful raid sealing his milestone and the Bulls’ dominance.
Despite late attempts by the Pirates to claw back, the momentum was gone, and the Bulls closed out a convincing eight-point win.
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