Puneri Paltan has secured their spot in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 12 playoffs, becoming the second team to achieve this feat. Their dominant 36-23 victory over the Tamil Thalaivas at Delhi’s Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium showcased their prowess and consistent form.
The raiding brilliance of Pankaj Mohite, who accumulated nine points, and the all-round performance of Aslam Inamdar, with seven points, were key to Puneri Paltan’s success. The team’s defense was equally impressive, highlighted by Gurdeep’s High Five, further solidifying their playoff contention.
Puneri Paltan established an early lead, with captain Aslam Inamdar setting the tempo. The first half saw aggressive raiding from the Paltan, leading to an All Out against the Tamil Thalaivas, a setback from which they struggled to recover. The offensive pressure from Puneri Paltan proved relentless.
Pankaj Mohite’s clinical raiding and Aslam Inamdar’s control from the all-rounder position provided Puneri Paltan with a significant edge. While Arjun Deshwal fought valiantly for the Thalaivas, their defense faltered under sustained pressure. Mohite’s impactful two-point raid was a turning point, demoralizing the Thalaivas. By halftime, Puneri Paltan had built a substantial nine-point lead at 20-11, demonstrating their control over the match.
In the second half, the Tamil Thalaivas attempted a comeback, with strong defensive efforts from Nitesh Kumar and Ronak. However, Puneri Paltan’s balanced strategy and composure were too much to overcome. Mohite swiftly responded to any defensive challenges, and Inamdar’s strategic raids kept the scoreboard ticking. The defense, anchored by Vishal Bhardwaj and Gurdeep, remained steadfast. The final All Out, executed by Aslam Inamdar on the Thalaivas’ key defenders, cemented the comprehensive victory for Puneri Paltan and confirmed their playoff status.