PBL 2020: 5 standout performances from the season

#2 Michelle Li vs Hyderabad Hunters (Hyderabad leg)

In one of the most anticipated matches as part of the first Hyderabad leg, PV Sindhu was squaring off against Michelle Li. While the match was expected to go down to the wire, Michelle's strategy of keeping Sindhu at the net to avoid her powerful smashes worked in the former's favour.

Michelle dominated right from the start with quick net play and minimum unforced errors and took a 10-7 lead. Sindhu tried to come at par with her smashes while trailing 7-13, but the World No.10 Michelle Li wrapped up the first game 15-8.

In the second set, Sindhu was comfortable and things were under control with the score tied at 5-5. Notably, Sindhu's numerous unforced and forced errors gave easy points to Li, who raced into an 8-5 lead. Four consecutive points for Michelle laid the final nail in the coffin as Sindhu failed to make a comeback as Michelle claimed an upset win with a 15-9 win in the second set over the home side favourite.

#3 Rituparna Das vs Awadhe Warriors (Hyderabad leg)

In the 17th tie as part of PBL 2020, Rituparna Das of the Pune 7 Aces crushed a challenge from World No.14 Beiwen Zhang to lead her team into the semifinals of the competition. In their first-ever meeting, Das maintained her composure and did not look threatened by the trump, which helped her in winning the match through straight sets and by a 15-13, 15-12 margin.

Using smart net play and exquisite placement of the shuttle, Das, ranked 100th in the singles division was able to keep her opponent under pressure that ultimately saw her cruise through to a confidence-boosting win.

Edited by Prasen Moudgal