Bengal Warriors Vs Puneri Paltan 29 October 2024

Full-Time
Bengal Warriorz 32 - 32 Puneri Paltan

How do you even summarize a game like that? An action-packed contest deservedly ends in a tie!

The focus was on Fazel Atrachali going into this match, and the Iranian received plenty of applause from the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium towards the end of the first half as he reached the landmark figure of 500 tackle points, becoming the first player in PKL history to do so!

Trailing by three points at half-time, the Bengal Warriorz came alive in the 2nd half, courtesy a mind-blowing effort from an inspired Sushil Kambrekar. The young raiding all-rounder scored a Super 10, wiping out the entire Pune defense all by himself in the space of three raids.

That was in response to an inspired substitution for Pune that saw Pankaj Mohite turn the match in their favor immediately in the start of the 2nd half, with the raider scoring seven raid points and one tackle point. Also impressive throughout the match was Akash Shinde, who incidentally took Pankaj's place in the starting 7, producing a solid performance, scoring 7 raid points and 1 tackle point as well.

The Bengal defense came in clutch towards the end of the match while Pune's defense was solid throughout, only to be rattled by Sushil Kambrekar for a brief interval in the 2nd half.

Both teams managed the game really well towards the end, and with both sides deserving a win, the result is fittingly a tie!

What a privilege this has been to call this historic PKL match! Click here to catch the action from the contest between the Bengaluru Bulls and Dabang Delhi KC in the second match of the double-header as I, Shreyas, sign off!

2nd Half, 40'
Bengal Warriorz 32 - 32 Puneri Paltan

Smart from the Paltan this. They know the next raid for them is a do-or-die raid, and with 28 seconds on the clock, Pankaj Mohite is happy to run the clock down as both teams settle for a tie.

And that brings to an end one of the best games in PKL history in a match already marked by a historic achievement! 

Second tie in a row for the Bengal Warriorz, but they'll be really proud of this one!

2nd Half, 39'
Bengal Warriorz 32 - 32 Puneri Paltan

Both teams are down to five and play it safe, relying on their defense.

And it's a do-or-die raid first up for Pune, and mad credit to Bengal for resisting Akash Shinde's baits at a tackle attempt. They just wait him out before pouncing, and it's Nitesh Kumar who steps up yet again with a solid block.

At the other end, Gaurav Khatri's technique on the block is exquisite to stop Sushil Kambrekar in a do-or-die raid.

With around a minute to go, the scores are tied, and this time, Bengal call the timeout! Are they going to settle for the tie? That would be the smart move here. However, you doubt if Pune will have that strategy. 

What a match this is! A blockbuster final 60 seconds await us.

2nd Half, 37'
Bengal Warriorz 31 - 31 Puneri Paltan

It has been a rare quiet evening for Aslam Inamdar, but that will give him lots of confidence. He gets the timing on the dash on Nitin Kumar just right.

Ohh, huge moment that in this match. Nitesh Kumar steps up to the plate with a huge Super Tackle on the high-flying Pankaj Mohite.

And in a space of two raids, Bengal draw level. Vishwas S the man who steps up, getting the bonus point under Aslam's nose before using the momentum to propel to the mid-line, escaping from the Pune skipper's weak attempt.

A timeout is called by Pune, who have rarely been pushed before like they are now! A little over 3 minutes to play and nothing to separate the two teams.

2nd Half, 34'
Bengal Warriorz 27 - 30 Puneri Paltan

Ohh no! Sometimes momentum makes you do silly things and a pumped-up Sushil gifts a point away to Pankaj Mohite with an advanced tackle attempt, who gleefully accepts. 

More than the point conceded, it's the fact that Bengal's best player is sent to the bench now that will hurt them.

2nd Half, 32'
Bengal Warriorz 26 - 29 Puneri Paltan

Do-or-die raid for Pankaj Mohite against a 4-man defense and he does supremely well to draw the error from Mayur Kadam to race to six raid points for the night.

But Sushil Kambrekar just keeps getting better as the match goes on, producing another two-point raid, this time removing Abinesh Nadarajan and Aslam Inamdar. He gets his Super 10 in just six raids! Against the Pune defense no less!

FYI, NO Naveen Kumar in Dabang Delhi's lineup in their clash with the Bengaluru Bulls, that is set to follow this thrilling encounter. Click here to catch all the updates and live coverage from that crucial encounter.

1st Half, 30'
Bengal Warriorz 24 - 28 Puneri Paltan

Ohh, some response this from the Paltan. Aslam starts the chain of events with a useful bonus point, but Nitin Kumar puts in a quick raid, drawing the error from Abinesh.

However, Akash Shinde comes good in a clutch situation, once again troubling the right side of the Bengal defense, getting the right corner and left cover with a smooth escape. Their defense pounce immediately after to send the substitute Arjun Rathi (on for Maninder) back to the bench, with Pankaj Mohite initiating the tackle.

The timeout comes at the right time for everyone involved, especially us watching this match. What a whirlwind ten minutes that was! Expect more of the same as Bengal chase this match while Pune look to take it beyond their reach.

1st Half, 27'
Bengal Warriorz 23 - 24 Puneri Paltan

Credit to the on-air commentators because they called this. Sushil Kambrekar was touted to be a difference-maker by them prior to this match and he's showing why.

He's single-handedly wiped out this Puneri Paltan team in just three raids.

With Pune down to two, Sushil is as slippery as an eel, and Aslam and Akash Shinde can't keep him down! Bengal get the all-out and are just one point behind Pune now.

1st Half, 26'
Bengal Warriorz 19 - 23 Puneri Paltan

Wait a minute says Sushil Kambrekar! Pune are known for their ability to just take the game away from oppositions and give no room for comebacks, but Sushil begs to differ.

He expects the ankle hold from Mohd Amaan, the new Paltan left corner, and escapes really well, using his momentum to also tag the two covers who join in support. A much-needed Super Raid that.

Ohh, he's not done yet is Sushil! He gets Pankaj Mohite with an acrobatic kick on the right chain. Ohh wait, he's asking for two.

Bengal review for two points here as Sushil's kick is right on the interlocked hands of that chain, and it's given! What a review!

Pune down to two as Gaurav Khatri joins Pankaj on the bench.

5 points in two raids for Sushil Kambrekar. What an impact! What a find he is!

1st Half, 24'
Bengal Warriorz 14 - 22 Puneri Paltan

Running through the defense. That has happened twice in this match for the Puneri Paltan, and both of those occasions have been in Super Tackle situations. This time it's Pankaj Mohite who exhibits great speed, taking out Mayur Kadam and Praveen Thakur in the process. 4 points in 2 raids for Pankaj Mohite, that is truly an inspired substitution.

Down to one, Nitin Kumar can't do much against Gaurav Khatri's ferocious block, which is more of a throwdown as Pune claim their 2nd all-out.

1st Half, 22'
Bengal Warriorz 13 - 17 Puneri Paltan

Ohh, Pankaj makes the Pune management look like absolute geniuses! That is how you make an impact, and immense credit to BC Ramesh and Jeeva Kumar for that substitution.

Against a 5-man defense, he does really well to escape from a strong Nitesh Kumar challenge, also getting Fazel on the way.

A quick bonus point from Nitin will give a small boost to Bengal, but that is a massive blow right after the break.

Ohh interesting call from the Paltan that as Pankaj Mohite is subbed on for the left corner Aman.

Half-Time
Bengal Warriorz 12 - 15 Puneri Paltan

Fazel Atrachali, take a bow! One of the greatest-ever to play the game and arguably the best PKL defender since its inception, the Iranian became the first player to reach 500 tackle points with his attempt on Mohit Goyat towards the end of the 1st half.

He has been their highest point-scorer tonight, with three tackle points in what has been a cagey game so far. Raid points have been hard to come by for anyone not named Akash Shinde. 

The Pune left raider has taken his starting opportunity really well and has scored four crucial raid points and one tackle point.

The Bengal raiders have struggled, with Pune's defense in top form. Abinesh Nadarajan, in particular, has been electric, with Maninder suffering as a result. They'll need to step up if the Warriorz are to mount a comeback in this 2nd half. 

We have a real game on our hands here. The 2nd half, coming right up!

1st Half, 20'
Bengal Warriorz 12 - 15 Puneri Paltan

Akash Shinde now contributing in defense as well. He comes in with an unexpected ankle hold from the left-in position on Maninder Singh, whose miserable night continues! However, he does get a bonus point for his troubles, and if you're looking for a silver lining, at least he opens his account.

As we reach half-time, this game is still there for the taking despite Pune's burst that got them the all-out. If the right things are said in the Bengal camp in the break, we could be in for a thrilling 2nd half.

1st Half, 19'
Bengal Warriorz 11 - 14 Puneri Paltan

Ohh, just as they were making a comeback, that's a cheap point to concede from Bengal, and it's Sushil Kambrekar who goes in with an overzealous advanced tackle attempt on Akash Shinde, who has been Pune's best raider so far.

1st Half, 17'
Bengal Warriorz 11 - 13 Puneri Paltan

Almost a 4th tackle point for an inspired Abinesh, but an airborne Nitin Kumar shows great awareness to get his hand over the mid-line just as he's about to fall completely outside the mat in a do-or-die raid.

Sushil Kambrekar scores a useful bonus point before Mohit Goyat goes in for a do-or-die raid. While he does look threatening, the Bengal defense retains their composure before pouncing on Mohit, and guess who initiated the tackle?

He may not have nailed that ankle hold, but that's 500 tackle points for Fazel Atrachali! He makes history with that challenge, and soaks in the applause from all around the stadium.

Class act that, and a great moment for everyone involved with the game.

1st Half, 14'
Bengal Warriorz 8 - 13 Puneri Paltan

And that's how quick the Paltan can change a game! Vishwas S is dashed out by an in-form Abinesh Nadarajan, who is flying today! It's an easy surrender raid for Aslam Inamdar, who can claim getting one over Fazel Atrachali, as Pune get the first all-out of the match.

Akash Shinde now sends Fazel back to the bench as it's a rather irresponsible and restless challenge from the Iranian too close to the mid-line.

It's been all Pune since the timeout.

1st Half, 12'
Bengal Warriorz 7 - 8 Puneri Paltan

Do-or-die raid immediately after the timeout for Bengal, and it's a hat-trick of unsuccessful raids for Maninder, who is having a woeful evening so far. It's Abinesh Nadarajan once again, who shows tremendous strength to initiate the block, converting it into a dash, escorting Maninder off the mat.

Ohh wow! Akash Shinde runs through the Bengal defense. And yes, I'm being literal. He gets just the one point, but in a Super Tackle situation, and with Fazel closing in on him, he shows great presence of mind to spot the gap and get out unscathed.

Pune down to two now.

1st Half, 10'
Bengal Warriorz 7 - 6 Puneri Paltan

Bengal have a do-or-die raid and the substitute Vishwas S does well, targeting the bonus and picking it up with minimal risk, and that point brings them level.

Both teams clearly appear to be taking a defense-first approach here.

Pune has a do-or-die raid next, and Nitesh does well to distract Aslam Inamdar with an attempted tackle while Fazel races across court to get his opposite number and his 498th tackle point in the PKL!

Wait, that's an unheard-of decision, but a great call from the referees!

So, Bengal had only four players on the court, and before Fazel came in with his dash, Nitesh's foot went beyond the end-line, reducing them to three, and as a result, Fazel's tackle became a Super Tackle.

Two points are awarded to Bengal and one to Pune, and hence, Fazel gets to 499 Tackle Points now!

The whistle blows for the timeout after that interesting passage of play which sees Bengal hold a slender lead. They've been strong adversaries to the Paltan here. This should be a very close game.

1st Half, 7'
Bengal Warriorz 4 - 5 Puneri Paltan

Mohit shows his might at both ends of the mat in the space of 30 seconds. He first showcases tremendous agility and speed to escape from a pretty well-timed diving tackle from Sushil.

He then completely blindsided Nitin Kumar with an audacious running challenge from the left-in position, receiving good support from the Pune defense, who have been brilliant.

However, with the Warriorz down to three, their defense comes up trumps as Praveen Thakur's diving double ankle hold is pitch-perfect to bring down Mohit Goyat and gets them the Super Tackle.

1st Half, 4'
Bengal Warriorz 2 - 3 Puneri Paltan

Ohh, lack of coordination between Aslam Inamdar and Gaurav Khatri on the right chain costs Pune a point as Gaurav isn't able to get a clean tackle on Nitin Kumar, who escapes.

Akash Shinde is thrown into a do-or-die raid and he does supremely well to get the kick on a low and crouching Nitesh Kumar.

Gaurav Khatri gets his first tackle point of the night with a solid block on Maninder. No success for Maninder yet tonight!

1st Half, 2'
Bengal Warriorz 1 - 1 Puneri Paltan

Well, that decision doesn't work out too well for the Paltan! Nitesh Kumar, who has been struggling for form, will be mighty pleased with that! A well-timed ankle hold supported well by the rest of the defense gets the Warriorz off to a great start.

However, Pune hit back instantly at the other end as Abinesh Nadarajan goes in with a mighty block to stop none other Maninder Singh!

Solid start for both defenses here.

Toss Update: Quite surprisingly, the Paltan win the toss and elect to raid. Bengal choose the left side of the court.

Aslam to put in the first raid, let's go!

Right then, both teams make their way onto the mat. It's the Paltan who enter first, followed by the Warriorz.

FYI, The 'Sultan' Fazel Atrachali is just 3 tackle points away from being the first player to reach 500 tackle points in the PKL. What a legend he is! Will he able to make history tonight?

He'll be familiar with the might of the Puneri Paltan, having been a part of the team in PKL 9 when they finished runners-up. 

He's all too familiar with his opponents tonight and exchanged pleasantaries with Aslam Inamdar in the pre-match interview, but you can be rest assured both captains will want this win immensely!

Get an edge over your Dream11 rivals with the help of our hand-picked differential picks:

Ensure you maximize the points you score by selecting the right captain and vice-captain for your Dream11 teams with the help of our picks:

Here's all you need to know about the history of this fixture and who has the upper hand when these two sides go head-to-head:

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Team News

Here's how the two teams will line up for this match:

Bengal Warriorz: Fazel Atrachali (C), Maninder Singh, Nitin Kumar, Nitesh Kumar, Praveen Thakur, Mayur Kadam, and Sushil Kambrekar.

Puneri Paltan: Aslam Inamdar (C), Gaurav Khatri, Mohit Goyat, Aman, Abinesh Nadarajan, Sanket Sawant, and Akash Shinde.

The Bengal Warriorz remain unchanged heading into this match, backing the under-fire left cover Praveen Thakur to come good. They have what it takes to pose a challenge to Pune this evening.

The Paltan have made a change themselves, and this one has been on the cards right from the first match of the season. Akash Shinde earns a starting spot in place of Pankaj Mohite for that third raider's slot, with Pankaj not in the best of form.

Good evening and a warm welcome to Sportskeeda's coverage of Pro Kabaddi 2024. We're into the third week of PKL 11, and the action and excitement are palpable in the Hyderabad leg of the group stage. First up on today's Tuesday double-header, we have two PKL winners going head-to-head at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.

It's PKL 7 winners Bengal Warriorz who take on the defending champions Puneri Paltan in what should be a mouth-watering clash. The Warriorz, led by Fazel Atrachali, have made a decent start to the season, and come into this match on the back of a tie with U Mumba. They'll certainly be up against it in this match against a quality opponent, but with some of PKL's biggest names in Maninder Singh, Fazel, Nitesh Kumar, and young starlet Nitin Kumar, they have the firepower to take the game to the Paltan.

On the other side, Aslam Inamdar's Puneri Paltan may well be the strongest team to be assembled in the PKL since Anup Kumar's U Mumba in the early editions of the PKL. They're so good you expect them to win every match, and despite the surprise defeat to the Thalaivas last week, they remain a formidable outfit, and come into this match after a comfortable 36-22 win over the Bengaluru Bulls.

While Pune won both their meetings against Bengal last season, the second of those wins was a close one, and with Fazel leading Bengal now, they will definitely be wary of this match, that should be a thrilling encounter. So sit back and relax as we take you through all the action that unfolds at Hyderabad.