The skipper Jasvir Singh and Rajesh Narwal’s outstanding performances of scoring seven points each forces Puneri Paltan’s defense to make errors and to face a defeat against Panthers at 38th match of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League 2016 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday.

In the beginning, Pune started well by taking a lead of 3-1 before Rajesh Narwal scored two quick raid points to tie the score at 3-3. Skipper Jasvir Singh opened his account at ninth minute when Panthers were leading at 5-3. Countering the lead, Ajay Thakur from Pune scored a super raid and leveled the game.

Jasvir Singh again scored a crucial point after 11 raids went empty from both the sides and both the teams were at 6-6 at the 12 minute and gave 9-6 lead to his team. As Pune remained only with a man, Jaipur scored their first all out and took 12-7 lead after 14 minutes. Jaipur Pink Panthers were leading the game 17-9 at the end of the first half. Puneri Paltan players were just not looking in their form.

After the break, continuing his form, Jasvir Singh scored two raid points and immediately Jaipur Pink Panthers scored their second all out on Pune to lead the game 25-14 in the 26th minute. Pune tried to fight back and scored three raid points in a row. But their hopes went in vain, when Ajay Kumar came and scored a super raid to provide his team 27-17 lead. Pune again scored and tried to cut the difference.

Pune could not score much as they were regularly committing errors and were trailing by 8 points. Pune managed to cut the deficit below seven points as Deepak Niwas Hooda scored important raid point to end the game 33-27.

In the points table, Puneri Paltan, after the loss, are at third place with scoring 30 points by winning 4 games of the total 10. Jaipur Pink Panthers, after the win, are at second spot with six wins in 11 games and scoring 37 points.  

By Prajakt K.