Two teams with contrasting fortunes clash in Match 73 of PKL 12 as table-toppers Dabang Delhi K.C. face struggling Bengal Warriorz. The league's best raider, Devank, pursues historic milestones against Ashu Malik's playoff-clinching mission, whilst Ashish's emerging brilliance meets Sultan Fazel Atrachali's defensive mastery in a battle of contrasting philosophies.

Probable Starting 7

Bengal Warriorz

  • Right Corner – Nitesh Kumar
  • Right In – Devank (C)
  • Right Cover – Shivansh Thakur
  • Centre – Himanshu Narwal
  • Left Cover – Parteek
  • Left In – Manprit
  • Left Corner – Ashish

Dabang Delhi K.C.

  • Right Corner – Saurabh Nandal
  • Right In – Ajinkya Pawar
  • Right Cover – Surjeet Singh
  • Centre – Ashu Malik (C)
  • Left Cover – Sandeep
  • Left In – Neeraj Narwal
  • Left Corner – Fazel Atrachali

Headlines

➢ Dabang Delhi K.C. can qualify for the playoffs with a win

➢ Dhaakad Devank faces Agent Ashu Malik

➢ Dhaakad Devank closing in on 500 raid points in PKL – will be the fastest to do so – Naveen Kumar holding the record in 47 matches

➢ Devank will reach 200 raid points in PKL 12 if he scores 19 raid points

➢ Bengal Warriorz supporting cast needs to be better

➢ Delhi's defence is performing well under Sultan Fazel Atrachali

Top Stories of the Match

Dabang Delhi K.C. Can Qualify for the Playoffs with a Win

Dabang Delhi K.C. stand on the cusp of playoff qualification, requiring just one victory against Bengal Warriorz to secure their place in the knockout stages. Their remarkable campaign – winning 11 of 12 matches – represents the league's most dominant performance this season.

Their previous encounter with Bengal Warriorz in M#23 showcased their championship credentials – Ashu Malik delivering a top performance to secure a comprehensive victory.

Delhi possess the most wins amongst all teams this season (11 wins), with Puneri Paltan next best with 10 wins, demonstrating their consistent excellence throughout the campaign.

Their season epitomises championship mentality through nerve-wracking encounters where they consistently deliver in decisive moments, showcasing extraordinary composure under pressure.

Close encounters of Dabang Delhi K.C. in PKL 12:

  • vs Pune (M#14): Golden raid – Won
  • vs Jaipur (M#20): Last raid – Won
  • vs Titans (M#37): 3rd last raid or last 90 seconds – Won
  • vs Pirates (M#43): Last raid – Lost
  • vs Steelers (M#54): Last raid – Won
  • vs Jaipur (M#67): 2nd last raid or last 30 seconds – Won
  • vs Steelers (M#70): Tie-breaker – Won

Their ability to prevail in seven close encounters – winning six, including their only tie-breaker – demonstrates remarkable clutch mentality when matches hang in the balance.

After six consecutive victories to open the season, their first and only defeat arrived against the Patna Pirates. However, their response – winning 5 consecutive matches since – showcases championship resilience and determination.

Coach Joginder Narwal possesses an excellent record leading Dabang Delhi K.C. – guiding them to playoffs in PKL 11 and standing on the verge of achieving the same feat in PKL 12.

Joginder Narwal as coach in PKL:

  • 35 matches, 24 wins, 7 losses (69% win percentage, 1 playoff qualification)

In PKL 12 specifically, his record borders on perfection – 92% win percentage with just one solitary defeat, establishing him amongst the league's elite tactical minds.

Dhaakad Devank Faces Agent Ashu Malik

This encounter features two of recent times' finest raiders – Ashu Malik and Devank – creating a mouth-watering prospect for kabaddi purists seeking elite individual brilliance.

Ashu Malik topped the league's raiding charts in PKL 10 (joint), whilst Dhaakad Devank claimed the same honour in PKL 11, establishing both as generational talents who consistently dominate opponents.

Both raiders have delivered exceptional performances for their respective teams throughout PKL 12, though team fortunes have diverged dramatically.

Devank remains the main reason Bengal Warriorz possess at least 3 wins this season, carrying his team almost single-handedly through their turbulent campaign with superhuman individual brilliance.

He has secured a Super 10 in every match played – the only raider in the league achieving this remarkable feat this season, showcasing unprecedented consistency at the highest level.

Devank vs Ashu Malik in PKL 12:

  • Devank: 181 raid points (18.1 average, 76% SR, 10 Super 10s, 10 matches)
  • Ashu Malik: 146 raid points (12.2 average, 62% SR, 8 Super 10s, 12 matches)

Ashu Malik has already excelled in Do-or-Die situations, leading the league with most raid points in these pressure moments where matches often swing decisively.

Do-or-Die raid points in PKL 12:

  • Ashu Malik: 21 points
  • Devank: 4 points

Devank has scored the second-most bonus points in PKL 12 so far – only Gagan Gowda has accumulated more, showcasing his tactical intelligence in avoiding contact whilst scoring.

Bonus points in PKL 12:

  • Devank: 49 bonus points
  • Ashu Malik: 37 bonus points

Ashu helped his team defeat Bengal Warriorz in M#23, scoring a Super 10 (16 points) to lead Delhi to victory. Devank scored 12 points in that encounter despite the defeat.

Both raiders contribute significantly to their teams' raid points – Devank with 66% and Ashu Malik with 56%, demonstrating their respective teams' reliance on individual brilliance.

The contrasting team dynamics prove revealing – Devank receives minimal support from teammates, whilst Ashu benefits from strong defensive backing providing crucial platform for attacking excellence.

Devank holds the record for most raid points after 10 matches in a season, averaging 18 points per match in PKL 12 – a staggering achievement placing him amongst PKL's all-time elite.

Most raid points after 10 matches in a season:

  • Devank (PKL 12): 181 raid points
  • Pawan Sehrawat (PKL 8): 141 raid points
  • Naveen Kumar (PKL 8): 135 raid points

Devank will become the fastest raider in PKL history to reach 500 raid points if he scores 13 points in the upcoming match. Naveen Kumar currently holds this record, achieving the milestone in 47 matches.

Team Stories

Bengal Warriorz – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#64 vs Gujarat Giants – Lost 40–47 (disappointing 7-point defeat)
  • M#56 vs Puneri Paltan – Lost 44–49 (5-point setback)
  • M#51 vs Patna Pirates – Won 48–42 (impressive 6-point victory)
  • M#39 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Lost 41–45 (4-point defeat)
  • M#35 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 41–37 (4-point triumph)

Bengal Warriorz occupy 11th position with 3 wins from 10 matches, desperately needing victories to salvage their playoff hopes. Their recent defeat to Gujarat Giants exposed fundamental weaknesses beyond Devank's control.

Captain Dhaakad Devank, as usual, delivered exceptional performance – scoring a Super 10 in every match played, maintaining his perfect record throughout the season despite team struggles.

However, Devank has received insufficient support from either the defence or support raiders – the main reason Bengal languish near the table's bottom despite possessing the league's best individual raider.

Ashish has provided some defensive consistency without adequate support, leaving Bengal vulnerable when opponents target areas away from their defensive anchor.

Bengal Warriorz Supporting Cast Needs to Be Better

The defensive unit has delivered catastrophically poor performances throughout PKL 12, whilst the raiding unit has fulfilled its responsibilities through Devank's superhuman efforts.

Dramatic splits between wins and losses demonstrate defensive importance – when the defence delivers 12+ tackle points, Bengal remains competitive; when falling below, defeats inevitably follow.

Bengal Warriorz defence in PKL 12:

  • Wins (3 matches): 12.0 average tackle points at 40% SR (90 tackles, 36 points)
  • Losses (7 matches): 6.6 average tackle points at 24% SR (192 tackles, 46 points)

They rank amongst the league's poorest defensive teams, possessing the lowest tackle success rate in the entire league – a damning statistic highlighting their fundamental weaknesses.

Lowest tackle SR% in PKL 12:

  • Bengal Warriorz: 29% SR (8.2 average tackle points)
  • Patna Pirates: 32% SR (8.1 average tackle points)
  • UP Yoddhas: 37% SR (8.8 average tackle points)

Ashish has impressed since joining the line-up, averaging 4 tackle points per match – providing a rare bright spot in an otherwise struggling defensive unit.

Ashish in PKL 12:

  • 9 matches, 33 tackle points (3.7 average, 50% SR)

His remarkable statistics rank second-best average tackle points in the entire league this season, showcasing consistent excellence when surrounded by defensive struggles.

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

  • Nitesh Kumar: 51 points (3.9 average, 59% SR, 12 matches)
  • Ashish: 33 points (3.7 average, 50% SR, 9 matches)
  • Jaideep: 42 points (3.2 average, 63% SR, 11 matches)

Regarding raiding, support raiders have provided minimal contributions – only Manprit possesses decent numbers, whilst others have been used sparingly without significant impact.

Bengal Warriorz support raiders in PKL 12:

  • Manprit: 42 raid points (4.7 average, 58% SR, 9 matches)
  • Vishwas S: 14 raid points (4.7 average, 100% SR, 3 matches)
  • Punit Kumar: 13 raid points (2.2 average, 36% SR, 6 matches)
  • Himanshu Narwal: 12 raid points (4.0 average, 71% SR, 3 matches)
  • Sushil Kambrekar: 6 raid points (1.2 average, 35% SR, 5 matches)

Dabang Delhi K.C. – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#70 vs Haryana Steelers – Won 33–33 (9-3 tie-breaker triumph)
  • M#67 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Won 29–26 (3-point victory)
  • M#61 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 43–26 (dominant 17-point demolition)
  • M#54 vs Haryana Steelers – Won 38–37 (dramatic 1-point thriller)
  • M#50 vs U Mumba – Won 47–26 (comprehensive 21-point dominance)

Dabang Delhi K.C. continue their dominance with a closely fought victory against Haryana Steelers, extending their winning streak whilst demonstrating championship mettle in pressure situations.

They have now won 11 of 12 matches played this season, sitting atop the table in PKL 12 – establishing themselves as overwhelming favourites for the title.

Captain Ashu Malik has been the team's backbone, consistently securing Super 10s whilst providing the attacking foundation for Delhi's championship challenge.

Neeraj Narwal has proven an excellent support raider, contributing crucial points in recent matches whilst preventing opponents from focusing exclusively on Ashu.

Fazel Atrachali's defensive leadership demonstrates he remains at his peak – ranking amongst the league's best defenders this season despite his veteran status.

Delhi's Defence Is Performing Well Under Sultan Fazel Atrachali

One of Dabang Delhi K.C.'s biggest strengths this season has been their defensive unit, establishing them as the league's most efficient tackling team through collective excellence.

Dabang Delhi K.C. defensive unit in PKL 12:

  • 12 matches, 133 tackle points (11.1 average, 47% SR)

They possess the best tackle success rate in the entire league amongst all teams in PKL 12 – a remarkable achievement showcasing their tactical discipline and individual quality.

Best tackle SR% in PKL 12:

  • Dabang Delhi K.C.: 47% SR
  • Puneri Paltan: 46% SR
  • Gujarat Giants: 45% SR

Their defence performed excellently in the last match against Haryana Steelers, securing 12 successful tackles from 26 attempts whilst maintaining their championship credentials.

Dabang Delhi K.C. defence vs Haryana Steelers in M#70:

  • 26 tackles, 12 tackle points at 46% SR

Fazel Atrachali has maintained amazing form for the Dabang Delhi K.C. unit, leading the defence expertly whilst demonstrating the form that has defined his illustrious career.

Fazel Atrachali in PKL 12:

  • 12 matches, 38 tackle points (3.2 average, 60% SR, 3 High 5s)

Fazel possesses an excellent record against Bengal Warriorz, averaging 3 points against this opponent at an exceptional 60% success rate – providing a psychological advantage heading into this encounter.

Fazel Atrachali vs Bengal Warriorz in PKL:

  • 19 matches, 61 tackle points (3.2 average, 67% SR, 4 High 5s)

Fazel has been excellent across all intervals, maintaining a 50%+ tackle success rate in each of the four 10-minute periods. However, he proves especially effective in the 10 minutes either side of the half-time interval.

Fazel Atrachali interval-wise in PKL 12:

  • 1-10 minutes: 7 tackle points at 54% SR (solid opening)
  • 11-20 minutes: 9 tackle points at 60% SR (second quarter excellence)
  • 21-30 minutes: 12 tackle points at 71% SR (third quarter dominance)
  • 31-40 minutes: 10 tackle points at 56% SR (strong finishing)

His third-quarter brilliance – 71% success rate in minutes 21-30 – provides Delhi with crucial momentum during the decisive phase when matches often swing definitively.

Saurabh Nandal and Surjeet complete the defensive line-up. Saurabh has been excellent throughout the season, whilst Surjeet requires improvement to match his partner's consistency.

Dabang Delhi K.C. defenders in PKL 12:

  • Saurabh Nandal: 34 tackle points (2.8 average, 63% SR, 12 matches)
  • Surjeet Singh: 22 tackle points (1.8 average, 34% SR, 12 matches)

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 24 | Dabang Delhi K.C. – 11 | Bengal Warriorz – 9 | Tied – 4

The historical record slightly favours Dabang Delhi K.C., though recent encounters have swung dramatically in Delhi's favour. Their comprehensive 21-point victory in M#23 this season suggests continued dominance.

Dabang Delhi K.C. K.C. won both matches against Bengal Warriorz in PKL 11, establishing a psychological advantage whilst demonstrating tactical superiority in recent encounters.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

  • M#23 PKL 12: Dabang Delhi K.C. won 45–34 (11-point victory)
  • M#115 PKL 11: Dabang Delhi K.C. won 47–25 (dominant 22-point triumph)
  • M#39 PKL 11: Dabang Delhi K.C. won 33–30 (3-point success)
  • M#100 PKL 10: Bengal Warriorz won 45–38 (7-point victory)
  • M#40 PKL 10: Dabang Delhi K.C. won 38–29 (9-point dominance)

Key Player Battles

Bengal Warriorz' Raiders vs Dabang Delhi K.C.'s Defenders

  • Devank 6–2 Fazel Atrachali
  • Devank 10–2 Surjeet Singh
  • Devank 5–2 Saurabh Nandal

Dabang Delhi K.C.'s Raiders vs Bengal Warriorz' Defenders

  • Ashu Malik 16–2 Mayur Kadam
  • Ashu Malik 7–7 Nitesh Kumar (evenly matched)
  • Neeraj Narwal 3–5 Nitesh Kumar (closely matched)

What to Expect

This encounter promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between contrasting philosophies. Dabang Delhi K.C.'s balanced excellence meets Bengal Warriorz' complete reliance on Devank's individual brilliance in a match that defines Delhi's playoff qualification and potentially Devank's historic achievements.

The key battles – Devank's pursuit of milestones versus Fazel Atrachali's historical dominance and Ashu Malik's playoff-clinching mission against Ashish's emerging brilliance – will likely determine the outcome.

Expect Delhi to dominate proceedings given their superior team balance and championship mentality. However, Devank's individual brilliance – averaging 18.1 raid points per match – ensures Bengal remains dangerous if their support cast delivers uncharacteristic excellence.

Devank chasing two historic milestones – fastest to 500 PKL raid points and 200 points in PKL 12 – provides additional intrigue, though Delhi's defensive prowess suggests containing him below 13 points remains achievable.

The historical record favouring Delhi, combined with their current form and playoff motivation, suggests another comprehensive victory. However, individual brilliance can overcome team deficiencies, making Devank's performance the decisive factor in determining whether Bengal can cause a monumental upset.

Match Details

  • Match: Bengal Warriorz vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match 73, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Thursday, 9th October 2025
  • Time: 7:30 PM IST
  • Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai
  • 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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