All to play for in Puneri Paltan’s clash against Patna Pirates

Patna Pirates and Puneri Paltan face-off in an important clash where both teams will want to hit the 50-point mark for the season at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag on Friday. While Patna Pirates sit comfortably in the top-three of Zone B, Puneri Paltan are just one position outside the three Playoffs spots from Zone A.

The two teams last met in Season 5’s Eliminator with Patna Pirates claiming victory. Pardeep Narwal starred for Patna Pirates with 19 raid points and will look to put in a similar performance once again.

Match 101 (Inter Zone Challenge Week): Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan

Head-to-head: Patna Pirates 9-1 Puneri Paltan. 2 Ties

Form Guide:

Stats from the last five matches –

Average Points Scored – 36

Average Points Conceded – 34.8

Best Raider – Pardeep Narwal

Best Defender – Jawahar Dagar

Stats from the last five matches –

Average Points Scored – 26.2

Average Points Conceded – 31.8

Best Raider – More GB

Best Defender – Girish Maruti Ernak

The big battle –

Pardeep Narwal vs Sandeep Narwal

Pardeep Narwal has once again been at his best in Season 6, ranking third in the Best Raiders’ list with 158 raid points. Narwal’s average of 10.53 raid points per game ranks second though, while he leads the league in Super 10s with 11 to his name. A 12^th Super 10 could go a long way if his team are to defeat Puneri Paltan.

The left raider will be up against Right Corner Sandeep Narwal. Having scored 50 points this season, Narwal has been Puneri Paltan’s fifth most successful point scorer. Sandeep Narwal, however, has inflicted the most Super Tackles this season and that is something Pardeep Narwal will be wary of.

While Pardeep leads the duo’s head-to-head 17-1, the battle between the two Narwals will be one to watch out for keeping Puneri Paltan’s strong defensive lineup in mind.

Key Khiladi

Jaideep – Patna Pirates

Jaideep has been a rock for Patna Pirates’ defence this season. One tackle point short of 50 tackle points for the season, Jaideep already averages better this season than he did in his rookie season last year. He will have to match Puneri Paltan’s defenders at every stage, especially if they manage to send Pardeep to the bench early.

Girish Maruti Ernak – Puneri Paltan

Girish Maruti Ernak is one of only six players to reach 50 tackle points this season. Puneri Paltan’s skipper has led the team astutely and has managed four High 5s, sitting joint-third on that list. Puneri Paltan will hope he continues putting in similar performances as they chase an all-important win.