Haryana Steelers notch up season's first victory; win eludes Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls
While Haryana Steelers had their maiden victory of the season in their match against Gujarat, Bengaluru Bulls and Telugu Titans settled for a draw.
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Newcomers Haryana Steelers and Gujarat Fortunegiants met for the second time in this season since their 27-27 tie in an earlier meet. Image courtesy: PKL
Vikas Kandola's raids gave Steelers a good start. At the other end, Gujarat’s Sachin was equally lethal and ensured the Steelers didn't get a whiff of a breakthrough. The two teams were tied 7-7 with six minutes to go for half-time. Image courtesy: PKL
The Haryana defence proved to be impenetrable as the Mohit Chhillar-Surender Nada combination propelled the Steelers to a 13-9 lead at the end of the first half. Image courtesy: PKL
A high-five from Chhillar and an attack led by Vikas Kandola helped Haryana Steelers cruise to their first win of the season at 32-20, thereby handing the Fortunegiants their first loss of the season. Image courtesy: PKL
In the second match of the day, it was a battle between two of the biggest stars of PKL as the Rohit Kumar-led Bengaluru Bulls took on the Rahul Chaudhari-led Telugu Titans with both teams looking to get back to winning ways. Image courtesy: PKL
This was one of the slowest matches in the PKL this season. With both teams playing it safe and steady, the scoreline at half-time read 9-8 in favour of the home team, Bengaluru Bulls. Image courtesy: PKL
After a series of do-or-die raids, the Bulls managed to eke out a considerable lead with the first all-out of the match as the Titans were ousted completely. The scoreline read 20-15 with two minutes to go. Image courtesy: PKL
But the Titans staged an amazing comeback as they took five points under a minute to tie the score at 20-20. The Titans now looked up to their captain and star raider Rahul Chaudhuri but a minor miscalculation in the last raid made him return with just one point and both teams had to settle for a draw when the final whistle blew. Image courtesy: PKL