PKL Season 12 Match 80 Preview: Bengal Warriorz vs Bengaluru Bulls – Warriorz Seek to End Bulls’ Winning Run

Bengal Warriorz face Bengaluru Bulls in Match 80 of PKL 12 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. The inconsistent Warriorz (11th position, 4 wins from 12 matches) desperately need victory to revive fading playoff hopes against resurgent Bengaluru Bulls (5th position, 7 wins from 13 matches), who arrive riding a two-match winning streak and boasting the league's second-best defensive unit.

Probable Starting 7

Bengal Warriorz

• Right Corner – Ankit
• Right In – Devank (C)
• Right Cover – Shivansh Thakur
• Centre – Manjeet
• Left Cover – Parteek
• Left In – Himanshu Narwal
• Left Corner – Ashish

Bengaluru Bulls

• Right Corner – Yogesh (C)
• Right In – Aashish Malik
• Right Cover – Sanjay
• Centre – Akash Shinde
• Left Cover – Satyappa Matti
• Left In – Alireza Mirzaian
• Left Corner – Deepak Sankar

Headlines

➢ Bengal Warriorz's inconsistency affecting their playoff chances

➢ After a huge win over Dabang Delhi, they were outplayed by U Mumba in the last game

➢ Dhaakad Devank continued his streak of a Super 10 in all games in PKL 12

➢ Bengal Warriorz defence has been struggling this season

➢ Bengaluru Bulls have won back-to-back matches

➢ They beat the Jaipur Pink Panthers by more than 20 points in the last match

➢ Alireza has been leading their raiding unit, and had another Super 10

➢ Corners Yogesh and Deepak were in top form and both got High 5s

➢ The Bulls are sitting at 5th place in the table, in contention for playoffs

Top Stories of the Match

Dhaakad Devank Becomes the Fastest to 200 Raid Points in a Season

Devank continued his extraordinary campaign against U Mumba despite Bengal Warriorz suffering a comprehensive 19-point defeat. His 14 raid points from 23 raids at 61% strike rate represented another Super 10 – his 12th consecutive such performance this season.

Devank vs U Mumba in M#76:

• Raids: 23
• Raid points: 14
• Raid SR%: 61%

The star raider has reached 200 raid points faster than any player in PKL history, achieving the milestone in just 12 matches. This shatters the previous record held jointly by legends Pardeep Narwal (15 matches in PKL 5) and Pawan Sehrawat (15 matches in PKL 8).

Fastest to 200 raid points in a season in PKL:

• Devank: 12 matches (PKL 12)
• Pardeep Narwal: 15 matches (PKL 5)
• Pawan Sehrawat: 15 matches (PKL 8)

Devank's dominance extends beyond mere speed. His 207 raid points at 17.3 average with 72% strike rate and 12 Super 10s represent the best raiding statistics in PKL 12 by a considerable margin. He's the only player not to have a match without a Super 10 this season.

Best average raid points in PKL 12:

• Devank: 207 raid points (17.3 average, 72% SR)
• Ayan: 135 raid points (12.3 average, 70% SR)
• Ashu Malik: 146 raid points (12.2 average, 62% SR)

His proficiency in collecting bonus points has been exceptional. Devank leads all raiders in PKL 12 with 58 bonus points, ahead of Gagan Gowda (56) and Vijay Malik (44).

Most bonus points in PKL 12:

• Devank: 58 bonus points
• Gagan Gowda: 56 bonus points
• Vijay Malik: 44 bonus points

Devank excels particularly when facing full defences. With 157 raid points at 84% strike rate in 6-7 DIP situations, he possesses the most raid points by far and the third-best strike rate amongst raiders with 50+ points in this phase.

Most raid points in 6-7 DIP in PKL 12:

• Devank: 157 raid points at 84% SR
• Gagan Gowda: 104 raid points at 81% SR
• Vijay Malik: 96 raid points at 66% SR

His consistency across match intervals demonstrates sustained excellence. Devank maintains strike rates exceeding 60% in all four phases: 64% (1-10 mins, 49 points), 70% (11-20 mins, 43 points), 71% (21-30 mins, 54 points), and an outstanding 84% (31-40 mins, 61 points).

Devank raiding interval-wise in PKL 12:

• 1-10 mins: 49 raid points at 64% SR
• 11-20 mins: 43 raid points at 70% SR
• 21-30 mins: 54 raid points at 71% SR
• 31-40 mins: 61 raid points at 84% SR

The final interval statistics are particularly remarkable. His 61 raid points at 84% strike rate represent the second-best strike rate amongst all raiders with 25+ points in the 31-40 minute phase, trailing only Gagan Gowda's perfect 100%.

Best raid SR% in 31-40 mins in PKL 12 (25+ raid points):

• Gagan Gowda: 38 raid points at 100% SR
• Devank: 61 raid points at 84% SR
• Nitin Dhankar: 34 raid points at 65% SR

Against Bengaluru Bulls historically, Devank maintains a limited but impressive record. In 4 matches against the Bulls, he's scored 35 raid points at 8.7 average with 92% strike rate and two Super 10s – suggesting he particularly relishes encounters against their defensive structure.

Bengaluru Bulls' Corner Duo in Amazing Form

Bengaluru Bulls' defensive resurgence has propelled them to fifth position, with their corner defender partnership of Yogesh and Deepak Sankar forming one of PKL 12's most formidable units. The Bulls now possess the second-best average tackle points (11.3) in the entire league.

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

• Puneri Paltan: 11.9 average (47% SR)
• Bengaluru Bulls: 11.3 average (45% SR)
• U Mumba: 11.2 average (43% SR)

Against Jaipur Pink Panthers in their last match, the Bulls' defence produced a masterclass performance with 18 tackle points from 25 tackles at 72% strike rate – statistics that directly contributed to their comprehensive 21-point victory.

Bengaluru Bulls defence in M#77 in PKL 12:

• Tackles: 25
• Tackle points: 18
• Tackle SR%: 72%

The corner defenders were sensational. Yogesh scored 8 tackle points from 10 tackles at 80% strike rate, whilst Deepak Sankar produced a perfect performance with 5 points from 5 tackles at 100% strike rate. Both secured High 5s, highlighting their synchronized excellence.

Bengaluru Bulls corners in M#77 PKL 12:

• Yogesh: 8 tackle points from 10 tackles at 80% SR
• Deepak Sankar: 5 tackle points from 5 tackles at 100% SR

Their season statistics demonstrate remarkable consistency. Both defenders have accumulated exactly 39 tackle points, though Deepak's superior average (3.3 vs 3.0) reflects his fewer matches (12 vs 13).

Bengaluru Bulls corners in PKL 12:

• Deepak Sankar: 39 tackle points (3.3 average, 57% SR, 3 High 5s in 12 matches)
• Yogesh: 39 tackle points (3.0 average, 52% SR, 3 High 5s in 13 matches)

Deepak Sankar's emergence as a replacement for Ankush Rathee has been crucial to the Bulls' turnaround. His 3.3 average tackle points rank third-best in the entire league, trailing only Nitesh Kumar (3.8) and Ashish (3.5).

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

• Nitesh Kumar: 53 tackle points (3.8 average, 56% SR in 14 matches)
• Ashish: 38 tackle points (3.5 average, 49% SR in 11 matches)
• Deepak Sankar: 39 tackle points (3.3 average, 57% SR in 12 matches)

The Bulls' defensive consistency has been impressive, scoring at least 10 tackle points in each of their last five matches: 18 points at 72% (vs Jaipur), 13 points at 52% (vs Tamil Thalaivas), 10 points at 37% (vs Puneri Paltan), 12 points at 40% (vs UP Yoddhas), and 14 points at 67% (vs Gujarat Giants).

The correlation between defensive performance and results is stark. In victories, the Bulls average 13.1 tackle po

Bengaluru Bulls defence in PKL 12:

• Wins: 92 tackle points (13.1 average, 54% SR in 7 matches)
• Losses: 55 tackle points (9.2 average, 35% SR in 6 matches)

Against Bengal Warriorz' one-man raiding unit heavily dependent on Devank, the Bulls' corner defenders face their sternest test since the Jaipur demolition.

Ashish the Lone Warrior in Bengal's Defence

Bengal Warriorz' defensive struggles represent their season's defining catastrophe. Ashish has emerged as the sole consistent defender, producing performances worthy of elite company whilst receiving minimal support from teammates.

His 38 tackle points in 11 matches at 3.5 average with 49% strike rate rank him second-best in the entire league for average tackle points, trailing only Nitesh Kumar (3.8).

Ashish in PKL 12:

• Matches: 11
• Tackle points: 38
• Average: 3.5
• Tackle SR%: 49%

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

• Nitesh Kumar: 53 tackle points (3.8 average, 56% SR in 14 matches)
• Ashish: 38 tackle points (3.5 average, 49% SR in 11 matches)
• Deepak Sankar: 39 tackle points (3.3 average, 57% SR in 12 matches)

However, against U Mumba in the last match, Ashish suffered a rare failure, managing zero tackle points from 3 tackles at 0% strike rate. This uncharacteristic collapse contributed directly to the 19-point defeat.

Ashish vs U Mumba in M#76:

• Tackles: 3
• Tackle points: 0
• Tackle SR%: 0%

Ashish's effectiveness varies significantly by Defenders In Play situations. He maintains respectable strike rates when defending with 6-7 players (50%, 22 points) and 4-5 players (54%, 14 points), but struggles dramatically in super tackle situations (29%, 2 points) with just one successful super tackle all season.

Ashish defence in PKL 12 DIP-wise:

• 6-7 DIP: 22 tackle points at 50% SR
• 4-5 DIP: 14 tackle points at 54% SR
• 2-3 DIP: 2 tackle points at 29% SR

The collective defensive failure surrounding Ashish's isolated excellence has devastated Bengal Warriorz' campaign. They possess the lowest tackle strike rate (31%) in the entire league, ahead of only Patna Pirates (32%).

Lowest tackle SR% in PKL 12:

• Bengal Warriorz: 31% SR (8.7 average tackle points)
• Patna Pirates: 32% SR (8.1 average tackle points)
• UP Yoddhas: 37% SR (9.1 average tackle points)

The contrast between victories and defeats reveals the defence's central importance. In wins, Bengal Warriorz average 12.3 tackle points at 42% strike rate. In losses, these numbers plummet to 6.9 average at 25% strike rate.

Bengal Warriorz defence in PKL 12:

• Wins: 49 tackle points (12.3 average, 42% SR in 4 matches)
• Losses: 55 tackle points (6.9 average, 25% SR in 8 matches)

Against Bengaluru Bulls' improving raiding unit led by Alireza, Ashish needs support from teammates to prevent another comprehensive defeat.

Alireza-Led Raiding Unit Needs to Do Better for the Bulls

Alireza Mirzaian has exceeded expectations this season, emerging as Bengaluru Bulls' raiding talisman. His 110 raid points in 13 matches at 8.5 average with 51% strike rate and seven Super 10s demonstrate consistent excellence despite minimal support.

Alireza Mirzaian in PKL 12:

• Matches: 13
• Raid points: 110
• Average: 8.5
• Raid SR%: 51%
• Super 10s: 7

Against Jaipur Pink Panthers, Alireza returned to Super 10 form after a two-match gap, scoring 12 raid points from 22 raids at 55% strike rate.

Alireza vs Jaipur Pink Panthers in M#77:

• Raids: 22
• Raid points: 12
• Raid SR%: 55%

His proficiency in Do or Die situations has been noteworthy. With 20 DOD raid points at 67% strike rate, he ranks fourth in the entire league for DOD points.

Alireza in DoD situations – PKL 12:

• DOD raid points: 20
• Raid SR%: 67%

Alireza's effectiveness varies by interval, with superior performance in opening and closing phases. He maintains identical 55% strike rates in the 1-10 minute (27 points) and 31-40 minute intervals (33 points), whilst posting 47% in both middle phases (20 points in 11-20 mins, 30 points in 21-30 mins).

Alireza raiding in PKL 12 by intervals:

• 1-10 mins: 27 raid points at 55% SR
• 11-20 mins: 20 raid points at 47% SR
• 21-30 mins: 30 raid points at 47% SR
• 31-40 mins: 33 raid points at 55% SR

Akash Shinde's return from injury has provided valuable support. Against Jaipur Pink Panthers, both he and Aashish Malik contributed meaningfully, with Akash scoring 4 raid points at 50% strike rate and Aashish adding 5 points at 42% strike rate.

Bulls support raiders vs Jaipur Pink Panthers in M#77:

• Aashish Malik: 5 raid points at 42% SR
• Akash Shinde: 4 raid points at 50% SR

However, the supporting cast's limitations remain evident. Bengaluru Bulls possess the second-lowest average raid points (18.9) and raid strike rate (45%) in PKL 12.

Lowest average raid points in PKL 12:

• Gujarat Giants: 18.1 average (42% SR)
• Bengaluru Bulls: 18.9 average (45% SR)
• Tamil Thalaivas: 19.4 average (47% SR)

Against Bengal Warriorz' catastrophic defence – the league's worst with 31% tackle strike rate – Alireza and his supporting cast face ideal conditions to produce match-winning raid totals.

Team Stories

Bengal Warriorz – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

• M#76 vs U Mumba – Lost 29–48
• M#73 vs Dabang Delhi – Won 37–36
• M#64 vs Gujarat Giants – Lost 40–47
• M#56 vs Puneri Paltan – Lost 44–49
• M#51 vs Patna Pirates – Won 48–42

Bengal Warriorz have struggled to establish consistency, with their campaign defined by frustrating unpredictability. After producing a stunning upset victory over table-topping Dabang Delhi, they were comprehensively outplayed by U Mumba in a 19-point defeat.

Occupying 11th position with 4 wins from 12 matches, the Warriorz face a mathematical nightmare for playoff qualification. They must win virtually all remaining matches whilst hoping multiple rivals falter – an improbable scenario given their systematic defensive failures.

Devank's brilliance has been the sole constant, delivering his 12th consecutive Super 10 against U Mumba. However, his record-breaking individual excellence has proven insufficient when receiving minimal support from raiders and systematic failure from defenders.

Ashish's isolated defensive heroics – ranking second in the league for average tackle points – highlight the gulf between individual quality and collective dysfunction. Without genuine support from teammates in both departments, even Devank's historic raiding cannot salvage Bengal Warriorz' season.

Bengaluru Bulls – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

• M#77 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Won 47–26
• M#66 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 33–29
• M#59 vs Puneri Paltan – Lost 29 (4)–29 (6) (tie-breaker)
• M#49 vs UP Yoddhas – Lost 36 (5)–36 (6) (tie-breaker)
• M#45 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 28–24

Bengaluru Bulls have engineered a remarkable turnaround, securing back-to-back victories including a comprehensive 21-point demolition of Jaipur Pink Panthers. After a disastrous start, they've climbed to 5th position and firmly established themselves in playoff contention.

The corner defenders' excellence has been crucial. Yogesh and Deepak Sankar's High 5 performances against Jaipur (18 total tackle points at 72% strike rate) showcased the defensive dominance that's propelled the Bulls' resurgence.

Alireza's seventh Super 10 of the season demonstrated the raiding consistency that's kept Bengaluru competitive despite possessing the league's second-lowest average raid points. If the supporting raiders can maintain recent form alongside the defensive excellence, the Bulls possess sufficient balance to challenge any opponent.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 24 | Bengal Warriorz – 15 | Bengaluru Bulls – 9

Bengal Warriorz maintain historical dominance, having won 15 of 24 encounters. More significantly, they're riding a six-match winning streak against the Bulls since PKL 9, winning every encounter including comfortable victories by 11 and 15 points in PKL 11.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

• PKL 11 M#104: Warriorz won 44–29
• PKL 11 M#44: Warriorz won 40–29
• PKL 10 M#73: Warriorz won 35–29
• PKL 10 M#6: Warriorz won 32–30
• PKL 9 M#97: Warriorz won 41–38

This psychological advantage could prove significant, though Bengal Warriorz' current form suggests historical dominance may not translate to present success.

Key Player Battles

Bengal Warriorz' Raiders vs Bengaluru Bulls' Defenders

• Devank 5–2 Yogesh
• Devank 5–3 Sanjay

Bengaluru Bulls' Raiders vs Bengal Warriorz' Defenders

• Akash Shinde 2–2 Parteek

What to Expect

This encounter presents contrasting trajectories – resurgent Bengaluru Bulls seeking to extend their winning streak against inconsistent Bengal Warriorz desperate to salvage playoff hopes. The Bulls arrive with confidence from consecutive victories and the league's second-best defensive unit, whilst Bengal Warriorz nurse wounds from comprehensive defeat despite Devank's continued brilliance.

The critical matchup centres on Devank versus the Bulls' corner defenders. Devank's positive head-to-head records against both Yogesh (5-2) and Sanjay (5-3) suggest historical dominance, but the Bulls' recent defensive form (18 tackle points at 72% strike rate vs Jaipur) indicates they're peaking.

Bengal Warriorz' catastrophic defensive failure (31% tackle strike rate, league-worst) presents Alireza and his supporting raiders with ideal conditions. If the Bulls can contain Devank below his 17.3 average whilst exploiting Bengal's defensive frailties, victory becomes highly probable.

Historical head-to-head records (15-9 for Warriorz, six-match winning streak) provide psychological advantage, but current form and league positions overwhelmingly favour Bengaluru Bulls. Bengal Warriorz' inability to provide Devank with adequate support in either raiding or defence suggests another defeat despite his inevitable Super 10.

Expect Bengaluru Bulls to extend their winning streak to three matches, consolidating fifth position whilst Bengal Warriorz' playoff hopes fade further despite Devank's continued record-breaking excellence.

Match Details

• Match: Bengal Warriorz vs Bengaluru Bulls – Match 80, PKL Season 12
• Date: Sunday, 12th October 2025
• Time: 9:00 PM IST
• Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi
• LIVE Streaming: Watch LIVE on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar. For LIVE scores and updates, visit prokabaddi.com or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App.

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