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Puneri Paltan registered their first win in this season’s Pro Kabaddi League as they overcame a solid Bengal Warriors outfit 33-29 at the Sawai Manshingh Stadium in Jaipur. Pune’s pride was badly hurt after their side suffered four defeats on the spin, which left them reeling at the bottom of the table.
But the Paltan was in no mood to let the misery continue and stopped the rot, moving up from the bottom of the table. Despite coming close to notching up a win on several occasions this season, Puneri Paltan had managed to slump to a defeat. But here are six things which the Paltan did differently this time and earn the victory.
Nippy Newale
Puneri Paltan had their customary slender lead, closing in on half time when local boy Pravin Newale made the killer blow as he completed a super raid, stretching Puneri Paltan’s lead to four points and leaving the stunned Bengal Warriors on the brink of an all-out. Newale consistently chipped away points throughout the game and finished the game with 7 raid points.
A hungry defence
A lot of criticism was directed at the Puneri Paltan defence for failing to notch up enough defence points needed to win a game, before yesterday’s clash. But the Paltans put in a much improved defensive performance which saw them claim 11 tackle points, which is actually the total of the tackle points the Paltan claimed in their last two games combined.
Good support to Wazir Singh
Often touted as Puneri Paltan’s lone ranger, many believe Wazir Singh is left with too much to do in matches. But that wasn’t the case against the Warriors as Pravin Newale led from the front. Surender Singh too chipped in with three raid points and a couple of bonuses to aid the cause. The defence did their job and the result is there for all of us to see
Consistent Wazir
Despite enjoying good support from his teammates, Wazir did his job on the day as usual. Winning four raid points, he ensured Pravin Newale’s performance was a match-winning one as that was the exact difference between the two sides. Four raids might not be really great by his own high standards, but his presence gave the best defence in the league, plenty to be wary of.
Solid second half
In three of the previous four games, Puneri Paltan enjoyed leads in the first half of games, only to fall apart in the second half. But it was the exact opposite yesterday when Puneri Paltan excelled in the second half and built a 15-point lead by the 30th minute. Despite a late scare, Puneri Paltan had enough to grab the points.
Performing under pressure
Accustomed to throwing away leads, Puneri Paltan crumbled under pressure in previous games. But the men from Pune held their nerves well especially to see off a late charge from the Warriors. The Paltan won all the pressure points in the game and delivered the goods when it was needed the most.
