Pro Kabaddi: Jaipur Pink Panthers go back to losing ways; Pune drub Kolkata for first win

Jaipur: A spirited raid by Pravin Niwale just before half time helped Puneri Paltan beat Bengal Warriors and register their first victory of the Pro Kabaddi Season 2 at the Sawai Man Singh Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.

They now have eight points from five matches while Bengal Warriors have eight points from six matches.

Superb tackling by Skipper Ravinder Pahal (8 points) and deep forays into defense of rival camp by Rohit Choudhary (7) and Kashiling Adake (7) helped Dabang Delhi outplay defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers in the last league match of the Jaipur-leg as the Kabaddi caravan now moves to Patna.

The match between Pune and Kolkata - the two teams which are the bottom of the table - was almost inconsequential but it did produce thrills. Both the teams were neck and neck but a two minute surge just before the breather helped Puneri Paltan gain the momentum.

Niwale, who finished with seven points, gave Puneri Paltan a 13-9 lead and few moments later they forced an all out to make it 17-10 at the breather.

In the second half too, Pune maintained their lead but a late surge through raids by Dinesh Kumar helped Bengal Warriors close in at 26-30 but time ran out for them and Puneri Paltan romped home 33-29 to post their first victory of the season.

Niwale top scored with seveb points while Surinder Singh (6) and Ravi Kumar (5) too had a good game. The Skipper Wazir Singh, who was the man of the match, bagged four points. For Bengal Warriors, Jan Kun Lee top scored with five points while skipper Dinesh Kumar (4) also did his bit.

The defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers who were looking at home advantage to return back to winning ways had notched their first victory last night but they slipped again to their lackluster form which led them to their third defeat on the home turf.

On the other hand Dabang Delhi put in a solid performance in defense as well as tackling.

They forced two all outs, one on each half, and were leading 17-10 at the breather. They continued with their dominance in the second half too.

Jaipur Pink Panthers did try to come back through fine aids but that was too late as they succumbed to 27-35 and are now placed at the fifth spot with eight points as much as Bengal Warriors and Puneri Paltan.

Dabang Delhi is at fourth spot with 10 points from four matches.

For the winners, skipper Ravinder Pahal stood like rock in defense and earned his all 8 points through fine tackles.

Rohit Choudhary (7) and Kashiling Adake (7) excelled in attacks.

The Pink Panthers were off-colour today and their star raider Jasveer Singh scored five points while Ran Singh was more impressive bagging total 9 points out five came from raids and 4 from tackles.

PTI