In a captivating Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 fixture, Patna Pirates staged an impressive comeback to defeat the league-leading Puneri Paltan with a scoreline of 38-27. The Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium witnessed an exceptional display from Ayan Lohchab, whose 17-point haul was the catalyst for Patna’s triumph. The Pirates’ defensive unit provided crucial support, effectively neutralizing the attacking prowess of the table-toppers.
The initial ten minutes of the contest were characterized by strategic maneuvering and a fierce battle for control. Patna’s raiders, including Ankit Kumar and the standout Ayan Lohchab, executed intelligent rotations, while their defensive stalwarts, Deepak and Navdeep, thwarted Puneri’s early scoring opportunities. The Pirates managed to secure a slim 8-5 lead during this period, demonstrating their tactical discipline.
During the first half, Ayan Lohchab continued to be the primary offensive threat for Patna, consistently scoring points with his quick raids. Navdeep led the defense with commendable efficiency. However, Puneri’s defensive strength, particularly from Abinesh Nadarajan, Rakesh, and Sanjay Enania, proved challenging, with several successful Super Tackles turning the tide in their favor. Puneri Paltan, bolstered by strong performances from Abhishek Gunge and Mohammad Nabibakhsh, managed to gain momentum towards the end of the half. They capitalized on a few mistakes by the Pirates, ultimately taking a 15-13 lead into the break.
The second half saw Patna Pirates emerge with renewed vigor. Ayan Lohchab resumed his scoring spree, delivering crucial points and leading effective raids that put Puneri Paltan on the defensive. Milan Dahiya’s contribution was also noteworthy, including a vital ALL OUT that significantly boosted Patna’s confidence. While Puneri, with Abhishek Gunge and Mohammad Nabibakhsh leading their charge, attempted to regain control, Patna’s unified team effort prevented them from establishing dominance.
Patna’s raiding power, amplified by Ayan Lohchab and Stuwart Singh, proved relentless in the latter stages. Their defense also stepped up, with Ankit and Navdeep making game-changing tackles that shut down Puneri’s comeback aspirations. This consistent performance across both departments allowed the Pirates to build a substantial lead and secure a convincing victory against the league’s top-ranked team.