Telugu Titans Vs Puneri Paltan 09 November 2024

Full-Time
Telugu Titans 34 - 33 Puneri Paltan

For all the die-hard Telugu Titans fans, this will be a watershed moment. They've watched their team struggle, struggle, and continue to struggle for many seasons now, unable to cultivate any significant momentum in their campaigns, but they finally have four wins in a row for the first time since PKL 5, and what a way to do it!

They had the odds stacked up against them going up against the Puneri Paltan, but they came in with a mission and showed them up right from the start. Pawan Sehrawat started and played with supreme confidence throughout the match, leading the way with 12 raid points. While they missed an early chance to get the all-out and were made to pay by the Paltan, they refused to give up, and got back on level terms before the break, with their defense disciplined enough to restrict the Pune raiders.

However, they were pushed to the limit by the Puneri Paltan, who had to deal with some problems of their own, with skipper Aslam Inamdar picking up a knee injury which they'll hope isn't serious. The game kept swinging like a seesaw, and it was ultimately Vijay Malik's crucial two-point raids towards the end of the match that proved to be the difference-making moments!

A rare off-day for the Paltan corners cost them this match, with both Gaurav Khatri and Aman blanking. However, credit where it's due for Vijay Malik, who really stepped up in the 2nd half to secure the most memorable win for the Titans!

It was evident what this win meant to everyone involved with the team, and with plenty of wind behind their sails, they'll hope that this is the season where they finally turn things around!

We could not have asked for a better way to start this final day of the Hyderabad leg. Switch tabs to catch all the action from the 2nd match of the night, where Pardeep Narwal and Maninder Singh face off, as I, Shreyas, bid you goodbye!

2nd Half, 40'
Telugu Titans 34 - 33 Puneri Paltan

Could that be? It could! It could well be the win for the Titans! Ajit Pawar, what a moment to score your first tackle point of the match!

It's a do-or-die raid for the Paltan and Ajith Kumar is gifted a touch by Vijay Malik, but a last-gasp dash from Ajit Pawar catches the raider off-guard, and after plenty of nervy seconds of deliberation, the crowd's roar tells us that the referees have given the tackle point to the Titans.

Vijay Malik knows he's won it after crossing the baulk line in the final raid of the match and the crowd knows it, his teammates know it, and the coach has tears in his eyes!

As the clock runs out, the Titans rejoice after securing a 4th consecutive win against none other than the defending champions!

What a way to bid goodbye to one of the best fanbases in the league! This is stuff of dreams for the Telugu Titans who move up to 2nd place on the points table!

2nd Half, 39:20'
Telugu Titans 33 - 33 Puneri Paltan

Vijay Malik goes in for a raid, replacing Pawan at the last moment, and does well to secure a bonus point, and it's given after some deliberation.

The Paltan review for the sake of it, but no, that's as clean a bonus as you'll see.

40 seconds to play and we're back level!

A minute to go and just a point to separate the two teams.

2nd Half, 38'
Telugu Titans 32 - 33 Puneri Paltan

This has been a phenomenal match! Vijay Malik gets to his Super 10, with all his experience coming to the fore! He's given the bonus, but being the last man, he completely runs out of time, but with only five seconds on the mat, he slips in a toe touch on an uncertain Sanket Sawant to delay the inevitable for a second time.

Pankaj Mohite goes in and once again reduces them to one, and finally, Vijay runs out of gas as the Paltan defense doesn't engage and he simply runs out of time.

He's put in a superb shift, though, as despite the Paltan getting the 2nd all-out of the match, the Titans only trail by one.

2nd Half, 36'
Telugu Titans 29 - 29 Puneri Paltan

Vijay Malik does well to pick up a bonus point, but a recharged Mohit Goyat is too quick for a weary Titans' defense, reducing them to one now.

A timeout is called by the Paltan, with the coach instructing the team to give Vijay the bonus but keep him down at all costs.

Well, he won't be happy with that will BC Ramesh! Mohit Goyat comes in with a needless diving challenge from that left-in position, Vijay Malik using his smarts to anticipate it and easily get away from it.

That's a huge two-point raid from Vijay as despite having two on the mat, they retake the lead!

The Titans call for a timeout now. Krishan Hooda instructs Sagar to protect Vijay Malik and he does what his coach asks, despite conceding a point to Pankaj Mohite.

2nd Half, 34'
Telugu Titans 26 - 27 Puneri Paltan

A well-taken bonus point for Vijay Malik gets the Titans the lead again, and they get another gilt-edged opportunity to take the lead!

But no Ajith Kumar slips away once more! A do-or-die raid against a 4-man defense is a must-win situation for the defense, but Ajith Kumar gets away from Pawan Sehrawat's weak dash attempt, also getting Shankar Gadai on the way.

A 2-point raid is awarded to the Paltan first, but the crowd erupts as the referees officially give the tackle point to the Titans! That could be a huge moment in this game!

The Paltan review the decision, and wow, this looks really close for multiple reasons! So much to consider for the TV umpires here.

Right, so the question is whether Ajith Kumar has any part of his body on the playing area when he crossed the mid-line, and after multiple replays, the TV Umpite makes a massive decision!

The decision is overturned and the review is successful!

The Titans are down to just two now, and are staring at deep trouble.

Substitutions for both teams here! Gaurav Khatri comes back on for Mohit Goyat. That's a surprise.

A struggling Ajit Pawar is replaced by Shankar Gadai.

2nd Half, 32'
Telugu Titans 25 - 25 Puneri Paltan

Pawan makes it look easy with a running hand touch on the substitute right corner Dadaso Pujari to get the Titans the lead. They have an opportunity to extend it but in a do-or-die raid with a 5-man defense, Krishan Dhull's error costs them a real opportunity to build a lead.

Mohit Goyat twists and turns, but against a 4-man defense, it was always going to be tough for him to get something there.

2nd Half, 30'
Telugu Titans 24 - 24 Puneri Paltan

Great acceleration from Mohit Goyat to get that running hand touch on Sagar to get only his second raid point of the night. Ashish Narwal goes in for a do-or-die raid against a 5-man Pune defense, and he never looked like scoring a point there.

The Paltan draw level once more as we go in for another timeout. This game is balanced on a knife edge here! Which way will it go?

2nd Half, 27'
Telugu Titans 24 - 22 Puneri Paltan

A do-or-die raid forces action, and it's good news for the Titan for a multifold of reasons. The struggling Ankit gets his first tackle point with a powerful block-dash from the left chain. Pawan Sehrawat is revived, and they take the lead once again!

And Pawan creates an instant impact at the other end. It's a do-or-die raid and the Titans' captain takes it upon himself to deliver, and that he does, escaping easily from a needless advanced challenge from Pankaj Mohite.

2nd Half, 25'
Telugu Titans 22 - 22 Puneri Paltan

Neatly done that by Vijay Malik to get a touch point on the left corner Mohd Amaan to level things up for the Paltan. The empty raid strategy continues though, with Pawan still on the bench for the Titans and the Paltan also remain wary with only four on the mat for the Titans.

2nd Half, 23'
Telugu Titans 21 - 22 Puneri Paltan

It's empty raids galore to start this 2nd half, with coach Krishan Kumar Hooda unhappy with something, and his argument with the referees earning him a green card.

The first point of the half goes to the Paltan. No, well it actually goes to the Titans as Ashish Narwal manages a bonus point in a do-or-die raid before he's tackled by Abinesh Nadarajan.

At the other end, Ajith Kumar's pace is too much to handle for Ajit Pawar, who loses balance and is sent to the bench.

Well, well, Gaurav Khatri has struggled tonight and despite being the best defender this season by a mile, he has been subbed off for young Dadaso Pujari. It shows both the great bench strength and team culture of the Paltan.

Half-Time
Telugu Titans 20 - 20 Puneri Paltan

The Paltan hit back with two quick points as the whistle blows for half-time. Pankaj Mohite is gifted a point by an unsettled Ankit. The last raid of the half is a do-or-die raid and Pawan goes in himself, but the Pune defense remain calm and composed, trapping Pawan completely, Pankaj Mohite claiming the tackle point.

We have had a brilliant game so far! A real rollercoaster of a first half finishes with nothing to separate the two teams! We're set for a brilliant 2nd half here at the Gachibowli. Don't go anywhere as we'll be right back!

1st Half, 19'
Telugu Titans 20 - 18 Puneri Paltan

Would you look at that? It's Krishan Dhull who pops up with a tackle point after quite a while. He has been very quiet throughout this match, but that's as assured an ankle hold you can get on Ajith Kumar, as the Titans defense prove their mettle.

1st Half, 17'
Telugu Titans 19 - 17 Puneri Paltan

Huge raid that from Pawan Sehrawat and he's already gotten a Super 10! The Paltan are down to one as Pawan executes another great escape to get away from Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan.

This time around, the Titans don't mess up, Ashish Narwal's tackle timed with perfection on Ajith as they take the lead back, also getting the all-out.

Pawan is finally had by the Paltan, Abinesh Nadarajan putting in a strong block, but the Hi-Flyer has already dealt so much damage!

1st Half, 15'
Telugu Titans 14 - 15 Puneri Paltan

The Paltan are back down to three now as Pawan strolls in with ease to tag Sanket Sawant.

However, the Titans once again let a great opportunity slip, Ajit Pawar's dash a tad too late on Ajith Kumar, who scores his first point of the season. In his next raid, Pawan is tackled by Mohd Amaan, but the left corner steps out of bounds before doing so, and the Titans reduce the deficit to one again.

This is some match!

1st Half, 13'
Telugu Titans 12 - 14 Puneri Paltan

Pawan Sehrawat gets the big fish Mohit Goyat at the other end with a neat escape from a weak tackle attempt, moving to seven raid points for the night.

Second successful tackle of the night for Sagar Sethpal as the Titans make a steady comeback. Their right cover makes no mistake with his solid knee hold on Pankaj Mohite.

Well, sad news here as Aslam has been subbed off with a potential injury. However, it does give us a chance to look at V Ajith Kumar for the first time this season.

1st Half, 11'
Telugu Titans 10 - 14 Puneri Paltan

Pankaj Mohite is in his groove now and he makes light work of Sagar's tackle attempt to reduce the Titans to one!

However, Vijay Malik escapes from Aman's weak challenge to delay the inevitable and get some useful points for the Titans, but Mohit Goyat denies a Super Tackle for the Titans, easily getting away from Ashish Narwal's attempted challenge.

And this time, Sanket Sawant pounces for the Paltan and makes no mistake as they secure the first all-out of the match. What a turnaround for them from going 6-0 down!

Aslam Inamdar gets a bonus point immediately after for the Paltan but clutches his knee after that raid. Hopefully it's nothing serious for the Pune captain.

The crowd find their voices again right before the timeout as Pawan continues his great evening with a running hand touch on Abinesh Nadarajan. The score is what you'd have expected it to be before the match, but seeing how the Titans have played, they'd be really disappointed with themselves!

1st Half, 8'
Telugu Titans 6 - 8 Puneri Paltan

Aslam's swifdt toe touch on Ajit Pawar gives the Paltan the lead for the first time in the match as the Titans are down to three. And they're back to two now!

The left corner makes no mistake with an ankle hold on the substitute raider as the Paltan are on the ascendancy now.

1st Half, 6'
Telugu Titans 6 - 6 Puneri Paltan

Ohh, the Titans let it slip! What a chance they had to get an all-out, but in the space of two raids, the Paltan draw level! And that's why they're the defending champions!

With his back to the wall, Pankaj Mohite delivers a stunning Super Raid, getting the bonus as well as touches on both the right corner and in defenders without even getting tackled. Pawan Sehrawat thinks he has the defense where he wants them, but they evade his attempts well, and in his zeal to go back with a point, he falls prey to Mohit Goyat's tackle that's well supported by the defense.

And that Super Raid and Super Tackle bring the Paltan back into this just like that!

1st Half, 4'
Telugu Titans 6 - 1 Puneri Paltan

Are we witnessing something special tonight? An uncharacteristically weak challenge from Gaurav Khatri is dealt with easily by Pawan, who escapes from this season's best defender and Abinesh Nadarajan, as the Titans quickly reduce the Paltan to just two.

The Paltan finally get their first points of the night through a bonus from Pankaj Mohite.

However, Pawan makes it look easy in a 1v2 situation, easily escaping from the ankle hold attempted by Aman. The Paltan down to the last man now.

1st Half, 2'
Telugu Titans 3 - 0 Puneri Paltan

Aslam puts in an empty raid in the first raid, and it's followed by the Gachibowli erupting to cheer their captain Pawan Sehrawat. The cheers grow louder as the Hi-Flyer ambles across with ease, getting the running hand touch on Sanket Sawant.

In the very next raid, Sagar Sethpal nails the ankle hold on an unsuspecting Mohit Goyat and that's some start from the Titans!

Wait, it gets better as Pawan Sehrawat strolls in confidently deep into the Paltan half, getting a touch point on none other than Aslam Inamdar.

Toss Update: The Titans win the toss and choose court. The Paltan to raid first.

And Aslam Inamdar it will be to get us underway.

The two teams make their way onto the mat, receiving a raucous reception from the crowd. It's the Paltan who enter first, followed by the Titans, led by the captain Pawan Sehrawat.

The Telugu Titans are lucky to be blessed with one of the best fanbases in the PKL. They sure do love their kabaddi and they've made their presence felt throughout this tournament.

Take this opportunity to get ahead of the curve with the help of our Dream11 Surprise Picks, who could provide your team the differential edge to get ahead of your opponents:

Here's how these two teams have fared when they've faced off in their long-standing history in the PKL:

With the lineups out, it's time to set up your Dream11 Fantasy teams for this fixture with the help of Sportskeeda's Dream11 Prediction:

Team News

Here are the starting lineups of both teams:

Telugu Titans: Pawan Sehrawat (C), Ashish Narwal, Ankit, Krishan Dhull, Sagar Sethpal, Ajit Pawar, and Vijay Malik.

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

Both teams line up with little surprises. The Titans are unchanged and rightfully so after a solid performance, while Aslam Inamdar returning to the starting 7 in place of Akash Shinde is the only change for the Paltan.

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's coverage of the 11th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. We're down to the final day of the Hyderabad leg of PKL 11, and the hosts, the Telugu Titans, will take on the Puneri Paltan one last time in front of their home fans. 

With four wins in seven matches so far, the Titans have done much better than their dismal outings in previous editions, much to the delight of the home support, who have been superb throughout this leg. The Titans themselves have played some excellent kabaddi, and come into this match on the back of a thrilling 35-34 win over the Tamil Thalaivas, with Pawan Sehrawat and Ashish Narwal doing a stellar job in the raiding department.

As for the Paltan, they sit comfortably atop the points table with five wins and a tie in seven matches, and they got the better of the Gujarat Giants 49-30 in their last outing despite captain Aslam Inamdar missing out, Pankaj Mohite leading the team in his stead. It'll be interesting to see if Aslam returns to the fold for this one, but you would back the Paltan to be the favorites for this one either way.

Seeing how the Titans have pushed some really good teams and gotten positive results in PKL 11, they could well pull off a stunning win to reward their home support against some really tough opponents. This should be a cracking encounter on the final day of this leg, and I, Shreyas, will take you through all the action that unfolds.