PKL 12: Puneri Paltans Beat Telugu Titans Thrilling Encounter; Meet Delhi in the Final
The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 continues to deliver pulsating thrillers, and the clash between Telugu Titans and Puneri Paltans turned out to be one of the most dramatic matches of the season. While Puneri Paltans eventually walked away with a 50–45 victory, the game’s narrative was anything but straightforward. Telugu Titans dominated early, showcased sheer offensive brilliance through Bharat Hooda and Vijay Malik, but defensive errors at crucial moments handed Puneri Paltans the game on a silver platter.
A Fiery Start: Titans Dictate the First Ten Minutes
Telugu Titans came into this match with intent and aggression. In the first 10 minutes, they looked unstoppable — raiders moving fluidly, defenders in sync, and Puneri Paltans on the back foot. The scoreboard read 13–7 in favor of Telugu, a reflection of their dominance and clarity of strategy.
Bharat Hooda, their star raider, was in red-hot form. Every time he stepped onto the mat, he oozed confidence — darting runs, calculated touches, and swift escapes. Alongside him, Vijay Malik provided solid support with his timely raids. Titans’ offensive unit was working like a well-oiled machine, leaving the Paltans searching for answers.
However, as often happens in Kabaddi, momentum shifted dramatically after the first quarter.
Pune’s Comeback: Tactical Brilliance and Controlled Aggression
Puneri Paltans, led by Aslam Inamdar, refused to bow down. Their coach’s mid-game adjustments began to show results as the defense tightened and the raiding unit found rhythm. By halftime, the Paltans had overturned the deficit and were leading 23–20, courtesy of Aditya Shinde and Pankaj Mohite’s exceptional raids.
Aditya Shinde was the standout performer for Pune — his understanding of the Titans’ defensive gaps was near-perfect. He capitalized on every mistimed tackle, picking up 22 raid points in the process. Mohite’s agility and timing complemented Shinde’s aggression, while captain Inamdar’s steady presence added the leadership touch needed to keep the momentum intact.
The Paltans’ defensive line, led by Sanket Sawant and Abhinesh Nadarajan, began to find its shape, countering Telugu’s raiding rhythm. From a six-point deficit early in the game, Pune’s structured approach and better composure turned the tables before the break.
Titans Fight Back: Bharat Hooda and Vijay Malik Shine Again
The second half began much like the first — with Telugu Titans reigniting their offensive firepower. Bharat Hooda once again took control, scoring raid points almost at will. His ability to pierce through Pune’s defense under pressure was exceptional. Hooda’s 23 points spoke volumes about his consistency and fighting spirit.
Meanwhile, Vijay Malik’s contribution of 11 points added balance to the Titans’ attack. Both raiders carried the team on their shoulders, pushing the score to 33–32 in favor of Telugu midway through the second half. The Titans’ offense was flawless — every raid had intent, every touch was smartly executed, and the crowd could sense another potential upset brewing.
But Kabaddi is as much a game of defense as offense. And that’s precisely where the Titans faltered once again.
The Collapse: Defensive Miscalculations Cost Titans Dearly
Despite their raiders performing heroically, the Titans’ defense completely lost shape in the final stages. Misjudged tackles, unnecessary advances, and poor coordination between corners and covers led to multiple easy points for Pune.
Time and again, Puneri raiders found themselves escaping tackles that should have been converted. What started as a close contest turned into a nightmare for Telugu’s defensive unit. The backline seemed nervous, committing unforced errors at critical moments. The defenders often went too deep or mistimed their holds, allowing Aditya Shinde and Pankaj Mohite to pile up points with ease.
In Kabaddi, one weak defensive phase can undo an entire game’s effort — and that’s exactly what happened here. As the match entered its final few minutes, Paltans capitalized fully on Telugu’s mistakes, widening the gap and eventually sealing the match 50–45.
Statistical Overview
Final Score: Puneri Paltans 50 – 45 Telugu Titans
Top Raiders:
Aditya Shinde (22 points, Paltans)
Bharat Hooda (23 points scored)
Pankaj Mohite (11 points, Paltans)
Vijay Malik (11 points, Titans)
Turning Point: Defensive lapse by Telugu Titans in the final five minutes, allowing Pune to convert two consecutive all-outs.
Defensive Coordination: The corners and covers never communicated effectively. They committed multiple advanced tackles, leaving open gaps.
Lack of Backup Plan: Once Pune found their rhythm, Telugu failed to adjust. Their raiders kept scoring, but without a strong defense, the effort fell short.
Pressure Handling: In the dying moments, the Titans appeared visibly anxious, unlike the calm and composed Paltans.
Overdependence on Hooda: While Bharat Hooda’s performance was exceptional, it also highlighted the lack of depth in Telugu’s lineup beyond their primary raiders.
Credit Where It’s Due: Puneri’s Professional Finish
The Puneri Paltans deserve immense credit for their composure and resilience. Despite trailing early, they didn’t lose focus. Aditya Shinde’s 22-point performance will go down as one of his finest, while captain Aslam Inamdar’s leadership was subtle yet impactful. Pune’s defense may have started slow, but they grew stronger when it mattered most — a trait that separates champions from challengers.
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