Pro Kabaddi League season 12 sees Puneri Paltan as the second team to confirm their spot in the top eight. Their commanding 36-23 victory against the Tamil Thalaivas in Delhi was a testament to their consistent performance throughout the season.
Raiding duo Pankaj Mohite and Aslam Inamdar were the stars of the show for Puneri Paltan. Mohite notched an impressive nine points, while Inamdar contributed seven, leading the charge for their team. The Paltan’s dominance was further solidified by a High Five from defender Gurdeep, showcasing their all-around strength.
Puneri Paltan asserted their authority early in the match, with captain Aslam Inamdar orchestrating their raids. The early exchanges were marked by aggressive raiding, culminating in the first All Out being inflicted on the Tamil Thalaivas within the opening minutes. This early deficit proved difficult for the Thalaivas to overcome.
As the first half progressed, Puneri Paltan extended their lead through sharp raiding from Pankaj Mohite and controlled play from Aslam Inamdar. The Thalaivas, despite attempts by Arjun Deshwal to keep them in contention, found their defense crumbling under pressure. A decisive two-point raid by Mohite significantly dented the Thalaivas’ morale. Puneri Paltan capitalized on this momentum, building a substantial nine-point lead by halftime, with the score at 20-11.
Although the Tamil Thalaivas mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, fueled by impressive defensive plays from Nitesh Kumar and Ronak, Puneri Paltan’s composure and depth proved too much. The Paltan’s balanced approach to offense and defense, coupled with crucial late raids by Aslam Inamdar and Pankaj Mohite, ensured they maintained their advantage. The final All Out against the Thalaivas’ key defenders underscored Puneri Paltan’s superior performance, securing their well-deserved playoff spot.