Match 54 of PKL 12 sees Dabang Delhi K.C. host defending champions Haryana Steelers in what promises to be the standout encounter of the season so far. Dabang Delhi K.C.'s resurgent form meets the Steelers' four-match winning streak, with both teams boasting the league's finest attacking and defensive units, respectively.

Probable Starting 7

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

Haryana Steelers

  • Right Corner – Rahul Sethpal
  • Right In – Shivam Patare
  • Right Cover – Neeraj
  • Centre – Sahil Narwal
  • Left Cover – Jaideep (C)
  • Left In – Vinay
  • Left Corner – Hardeep

Headlines

➢ Two of the strongest teams in this year's PKL take on each other
➢ Haryana Steelers have tied 2nd best avg raid points and Dabang Delhi K.C. have tied 2nd best avg tackle points in PKL 12
➢ Dabang Delhi K.C. have lost only one match this season, and the Haryana Steelers have lost two
➢ The Steelers are on a 4-match winning streak coming into this match
➢ Captain Ashu Malik has been leading Dabang Delhi K.C. in style, and had 23 raid points in their last match – highest by a raider this season
➢ Veteran defender Fazel has been in amazing form for Dabang Delhi K.C.
➢ Haryana Steelers were handed a scare with Naveen Kumar's injury – but Shivam Patare and Vinay have shared lead raider duties
➢ Veteran defenders Jaideep and Rahul have been leading the defence for the Steelers

Top Stories of the Match

Agent Ashu Malik Takes On a Strong Veteran Defence Haryana Steelers

Ashu Malik's magnificent resurgence reached its zenith in the demolition of U Mumba, where he delivered a season-defining 23-point masterclass – the highest individual tally by any raider in PKL 12. His performance represented the perfect response to earlier struggles, re-establishing him as the league's premier raider.

Current season statistics position him among the elite:

  • 106 raid points in 8 matches (13.3 average, 63% success rate)
  • 6 Super 10s demonstrate consistent excellence
  • Ranks 2nd in the league for average raid points, trailing only Devank

His tactical mastery across different phases sets him apart from contemporaries:

Time-specific dominance (11-20 minutes):

  • 34 raid points at 83% success rate in this crucial period
  • Leads the league in both categories for this interval
  • Best success rate among top 10 raiders in this timeframe

Situational brilliance:

  • Do-or-Die supremacy: 20 points at 143% success rate (league-leading)
  • 2-3 defenders: 19 points at 70% success rate (2nd-most in league)

His excellent record against Haryana Steelers in PKL 11 offers encouragement – 27 raid points across two matches (13.5 average) with Super 10s in both encounters at 64% success rate.

Neeraj Narwal's emergence as a reliable secondary threat has transformed Delhi's attacking dynamics. His 23 raid points in the last three matches (7.7 average at 53% success rate) provides crucial support, reducing pressure on Ashu whilst maintaining attacking intensity.

However, they face the Steelers' formidable defensive unit that averages 11.0 tackle points per match – joint 2nd best in PKL 12. The correlation between defensive performance and results is stark:

Steelers' defensive splits:

  • In wins (6 matches): 12.7 average tackle points at 48% success rate
  • In losses (2 matches): 6.0 average tackle points at 23% success rate

Their early-game dominance could prove crucial – they lead the league with 28 tackle points in the first 10 minutes at 48% success rate, potentially disrupting Delhi's rhythm before Ashu finds his groove.

The veteran defensive duo of Jaideep and Rahul represents the backbone of their system:

  • Jaideep: 24 tackle points (3.0 average, 60% success rate)
  • Rahul: 22 tackle points (2.8 average, 56% success rate)

Both maintain success rates above 55%, providing the consistency necessary to contain elite raiders like Ashu Malik.

Hardeep's recent emergence at left corner adds another dimension, with his High 5 against Patna Pirates (5 points at 83% success rate) demonstrating immediate impact.

Team Stories

Dabang Delhi K.C. – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#50 vs U Mumba – Won 47–26 (dominant 21-point victory)
  • M#43 vs Patna Pirates – Lost 30–33 (first defeat of season)
  • M#37 vs Telugu Titans – Won 33–29
  • M#28 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 38–28
  • M#23 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 45–34

Delhi's emphatic response to their first defeat showcased championship mentality. The comprehensive 21-point victory over U Mumba featured all departments clicking in perfect harmony, with Ashu Malik's brilliance complemented by defensive solidity.

The brief dip in form against Patna Pirates appears to have been a blessing in disguise, refocusing the team's approach and eliminating any complacency that might have crept into their system.

Neeraj Narwal's evolution into a reliable secondary raider has been crucial, providing the support that transforms good teams into great ones. His 40 raid points in 8 matches (5.0 average at 48% success rate) represents consistent contribution without overshadowing the captain.

Sultan Fazel Atrachali Continues His Fine Form

The Iranian legend continues his remarkable renaissance, establishing himself among PKL 12's premier defenders despite being in the twilight of his career. His 26 tackle points in 8 matches (3.3 average at 60% success rate) ranks 5th in the league for average tackle points.

Consistent excellence across matches:

  • 3 High 5s (joint 2nd most in league)
  • Near-perfect performance vs U Mumba: 4 tackle points at 80% success rate

His situational mastery in 4-5 defender scenarios demonstrates tactical intelligence – 13 tackle points at 72% success rate leads the league in this specific situation alongside other elite defenders.

Historical dominance over Haryana Steelers provides psychological advantage:

  • Overall vs Steelers: 56 tackle points in 18 matches (3.1 average, 58% success rate)
  • PKL 11 perfection: 7 tackle points at 100% success rate with 3 super tackles

The defensive collective around him has been exemplary:

  • Saurabh Nandal: 23 tackle points (2.9 average, 61% success rate)
  • Surjeet Singh: 16 tackle points (2.0 average, 33% success rate)

Delhi's joint 2nd ranking in average tackle points (11.3) demonstrates the unit's collective strength, crucial for containing the Steelers' balanced attacking threat.

Haryana Steelers – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#44 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 38–36 (2-point thriller)
  • M#42 vs Puneri Paltan – Won 34–30 (4-point victory)
  • M#38 vs Patna Pirates – Won 43–32 (11-point dominance)
  • M#33 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 40–37 (3-point victory)
  • M#21 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Lost 33–40

The defending champions have found their championship rhythm with four consecutive victories, climbing to 3rd position and establishing themselves as genuine title contenders once again.

Their ability to win tight matches demonstrates champion mentality – 3 of their last 5 victories by 5 points or fewer showcases composure under pressure. The 2-point victory over Tamil Thalaivas exemplified this trait, successfully repelling a late comeback attempt.

The seamless transition following Naveen Kumar's injury reflects squad depth and coaching excellence. Rather than disrupting their system, the change has allowed other talents to flourish.

Shivam Patare Establishes Himself as the Lead Raider

The emergence of Shivam Patare as Delhi's primary threat has been one of PKL 12's standout storylines. His 71 raid points in 8 matches (8.9 average at 65% success rate) with 2 Super 10s demonstrates elite-level consistency.

Recent form has been exceptional:

  • vs Tamil Thalaivas: 9 raid points at 90% success rate (nearly achieved Super 10)

His clutch gene separates him from peers – 2nd best raid success rate in final 10 minutes among raiders with 10+ points in that period. His 15 points at 88% success rate in crucial moments demonstrates ability to deliver when stakes are highest.

Tactical versatility across all situations:

  • 6-7 defenders: 47 points at 77% success rate (excellent against full lines)
  • 4-5 defenders: 15 points at 42% success rate (solid in transition)
  • 2-3 defenders: 9 points at 69% success rate (effective in super tackle scenarios)

Vinay's complementary role has been equally crucial – 56 raid points in 7 matches (8.0 average at 50% success rate) with 2 Super 10s provides the perfect foil to Shivam's aggression.

Their combined efforts have propelled Haryana to joint 2nd in average raid points (22.9) alongside Patna Pirates, trailing only Bengal Warriorz.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 16 | Dabang Delhi K.C. – 7 | Haryana Steelers – 9

The historical record slightly favours Haryana Steelers, but recent encounters suggest shifting momentum. Since PKL 9, Delhi lead 4-2, indicating their tactical evolution against the Steelers.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

  • PKL 11 M#112: Dabang Delhi K.C. won 44–37
  • PKL 11 M#21: Haryana Steelers won 41–34
  • PKL 10 M#87: Dabang Delhi K.C. won 35–32
  • PKL 10 M#17: Haryana Steelers won 35–33
  • PKL 9 M#90: Dabang Delhi K.C. won 42–30

The closely contested nature of recent encounters suggests another thriller is in store, with small margins likely to prove decisive.

Key Player Battles

Dabang Delhi K.C.'s Raiders vs Haryana Steelers' Defenders

  • Ashu Malik 8–3 Rahul Sethpal
  • Ashu Malik 10–5 Neeraj
  • Ajinkya Pawar 6–4 Jaideep

Haryana Steelers' Raiders vs Dabang Delhi K.C.'s Defenders

  • Vinay 11–10 Fazel Atrachali
  • Vinay 6–4 Surjeet Singh
  • Vinay 4–2 Saurabh Nandal
  • Shivam Patare 1–4 Fazel Atrachali

What to Expect

This blockbuster encounter promises to deliver the highest quality kabaddi, featuring two teams at the peak of their powers. The tactical battle between Ashu Malik's brilliance and the Steelers' veteran defensive unit will likely determine the outcome.

Both teams possess championship credentials, making this a potential preview of the PKL 12 final. Expect a closely contested affair where individual moments of brilliance could prove decisive.

The match represents a significant test of both teams' title credentials, with the winner gaining a crucial psychological advantage heading into the business end of the season.

Match Details

  • Match: Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Haryana Steelers – Match 54, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Monday, 29th September 2025
  • Time: 9:00 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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