PKL-12: Dabang Delhi Suffer Second Loss of the Season, Bengal Win by One Point

In Match 73 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday, the Bengal Warriors edged past Dabang Delhi KC with a thrilling 37-36 victory. The match was decided in the final seconds. This was Delhi’s second loss in 13 matches, while Bengal registered their fourth win in 11 games.

For Bengal, Devank Dalal (12 points) once again played a pivotal role. Himanshu (6 points) supported him well, while in defense, Ashish completed a High-5, and Manjeet contributed four points. Playing without their star raider Ashu Malik, Delhi found support from Neeraj (6 points) and Ajinkya (5 points).

Bengal started strong with a 2-0 lead, but Naveen quickly leveled the score with a two-point raid. Within the first five minutes, Bengal regained a 4-3 lead, and Devank dismissed Fazel and Surjeet to double it. Delhi fought back as Ajinkya’s multi-point raid reduced the gap to 6-7, and Neeraj’s successful tackle brought parity once again.

Soon after, Saurav caught Devank to put Delhi ahead, but just before the end of the first quarter, Himanshu’s super raid helped Bengal take a 10-8 lead. After the break, Delhi earned a super tackle, narrowing the score to 11-12, and Akshit’s multi-point raid turned it around to 13-12 in Delhi’s favor. However, Himanshu dismissed Saurav to revive Devank.

Back on the mat, Devank scored consecutive points to bring Delhi close to an all-out and eventually inflicted one to give Bengal a 18-16 lead. Ajinkya responded with a multi-point raid, making it 19-18 before halftime. After the interval, both teams traded points, keeping the gap at just one. At the 30-minute mark, Bengal led 25-23.

Delhi’s defense caught Himanshu, and Ajinkya dismissed Ankit, forcing Bengal into a super tackle situation. Bengal, however, tackled Neeraj for two super tackle points, extending their lead to 29-25. Delhi then caught Devank, but Bengal replied with another super tackle to go five points clear. Substitute Mohit’s multi-point raid reduced the deficit to three, and Delhi inflicted an all-out, making it 32-33.

After the all-in, Devank not only restored Bengal’s three-point advantage but also completed his Super 10. Ashish then made it a four-point lead.