Haryana Steelers have solidified their position in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 12 playoffs following a commanding 50-32 triumph against the Gujarat Giants at the Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi. This victory also confirms a playoff berth for the Jaipur Pink Panthers, adding another layer to the season’s competitive landscape.
The Steelers showcased a superior all-around game, with Shivam Patare and Vinay delivering outstanding Super 10 performances. Patare’s 16 raid points not only led his team but also propelled him to achieve 400 career raid points in the league, a remarkable feat. The Gujarat Giants’ Himanshu Singh also put up a strong fight with a Super 10, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
From the outset, Haryana Steelers asserted their dominance. Vinay opened the scoring, and Jaideep made a critical defensive stop. The Gujarat Giants responded with contributions from Himanshu Singh and Nitin Panwar, alongside a tackle from Lucky Sharma, managing to inflict an ALL OUT on the Steelers and regain a foothold in the match.
However, the defending champions were quick to rebound. Shivam Patare proved to be a game-changer, excelling in both raiding and defending, which leveled the score at 10-10 after the first quarter. This surge in momentum was capitalized upon, with Hardeep and Patare performing admirably, leading to an ALL OUT initiated by a tackle from Rahul, which granted the Steelers a four-point lead.
Despite the Gujarat Giants’ resilience, bolstered by crucial tackles from Mohammadreza Shadloui, Haryana maintained a substantial 21-15 lead at the halftime interval. The second half saw a slight dip in tempo, characterized by defensive exchanges. Shivam Patare achieved his Super 10, further extending his team’s lead to double digits.
A Super Raid by Ankit Dahiya offered the Gujarat Giants a chance to narrow the deficit to seven points with just ten minutes remaining. However, a pivotal tackle by Neeraj resulted in another ALL OUT against the Giants. Vinay then delivered a decisive blow with a four-point Super Raid, cementing the Steelers’ formidable 50-32 victory and ensuring their place in the PKL season 12 playoffs.