Arjun Deshwal delivered a masterclass performance to assist the Jaipur Pink Panthers in earning their first win of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 on Monday. The Season 9 champions trailed 12-20 at the break but battled back in the second half to defeat Gujarat Giants 35-32 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Although the Giants lost the match, still they are at the top of the points table with 17 points. Pink Panthers, on the other hand, are placed seventh with 9 points under their belt. Deshwal, who claimed 15 points in the game, also recorded his 700th PKL raid point.
It was an intense battle between the two sides in the opening minutes of the game, and the score was 5-5 in the seventh minute. However, Sonu produced a brilliant effort to inflict a SUPER RAID and helped the Giants take an 8-5 lead shortly after. The Giants capitalized on their momentum by inflicting an ALL-OUT in the 10th minute, extending their lead even more.
As the Giants pushed forward, Sonu scored a raid point and Fazel Atrachali tackled V Ajith Kumar. Following that, the Jaipur Pink Panthers played a defensive game as the Giants comfortably led 18-10. Sonu continued to score raid points, allowing Gujarat to complete the first half in a commanding 20-12 lead.
The Panthers somehow managed to tackle Rohit Gulia in the first few minutes of the second half, but the Giants still led the game 20-14. Deshwal, who was on fire, then effected a couple of fantastic raids in the 27th minute to reduce the gap between the two teams. A few moments later, the 24-year-old raider pulled off a SUPER RAID, reducing the Giants to one member on the mat. In the 31st minute, the Panthers tackled Vikash Jaglan and took a 26-25 lead. Deshwal scored his 700th PKL raid point with another spectacular raid as the Panthers stretched their lead to secure a remarkable win.
Later in the day, the Bengaluru Bulls fought a hard battle to register a surprise win over (38–26) UP Yoddhas. With 11 points each, Vikash Khandola and Bharat led the way for the hosts, while Yoddhas sensation Pradeep Narwal’s match-high 13 points went in vain. Bengaluru Bulls now sits eighth on the table with a victory and four losses in five games, while Yoddhas are third with two victories and two losses from their four games this season.
