Dabang Delhi K.C. and Puneri Paltan clash with final Playoffs spot at stake

The final game before the last Inter-Zone Challenge Week kicks off sees Dabang Delhi K.C. play host to Puneri Paltan at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex. Dabang Delhi K.C. are hot on the heels of Puneri Paltan, who occupy the third and final Playoffs spot in Zone A and will look to reduce the gap even further in their home leg.

The two sides have met twice this season with both teams winning a fixture each. Both teams have accounted for six points out of their tally from these two games. The most recent encounter, however, went the way of Puneri Paltan as they won a close game by four points.

Match 93 (Zone A): Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Puneri Paltan

Head-to-head: Dabang Delhi K.C. 4-8 Puneri Paltan. 1 tie

Form Guide:

Dabang Delhi K.C.	RESULT(W-T-L)	POINTS SCORED	POINTS CONCEDED
Vs. U Mumba	LOST	34	41
Vs. Jaipur Pink Panthers	WON	48	35
Vs. Haryana Steelers	LOST	27	34
Vs. U Mumba	LOST	23	39
Vs. Gujarat Fortunegiants	WON	29	26
TOTAL	2-0-3	161	175

Stats from the last five matches –

Average Points Scored – 32.2

Average Points Conceded – 35

Best Raider – Naveen Kumar

Best Defender – Ravinder Pahal

Puneri Paltan	RESULT(W-T-L)	POINTS SCORED	POINTS CONCEDED
Vs. Gujarat Fortunegiants	LOST	20	35
Vs. Haryana Steelers	WON	35	33
Vs. Jaipur Pink Panthers	TIED	30	30
Vs. Bengal Warriors	LOST	22	26
Vs. Telugu Titans	LOST	25	28
TOTAL	1-1-3	132	152

Stats from the last five matches –

Average Points Scored – 26.4

Average Points Conceded – 30.4

Best Raider – More GB

Best Defender – Girish Maruti Ernak

The big battle

Naveen Kumar vs Girish Maruti Ernak

Rookie Naveen Kumar has been the shining light of Dabang Delhi K.C.’s campaign so far. He is their leading points scorer and has led the offence brilliantly. He has managed 123 raid points in 15 games so far and stands sixth on the list of Best Raiders.

Kumar will be up against Puneri Paltan skipper Girish Maruti Ernak, who has been solid in defence this season. Ernak is one tackle point away from being the sixth man this season to 50 tackle points. He has been an astute captain and led his troops well. Although he averages 3.06 tackle points per game, Ernak has managed four High 5s this season and sits joint-second on that list.

Kumar and Ernak are level in their head-to-head battles, each getting the better of the other four times.

Key Khiladi -

Meraj Sheykh – Dabang Delhi K.C.

Meraj Sheykh had a quiet start to the season until the teams reached Delhi. He has sprung into life in Dabang Delhi K.C.’s home leg, managing 15 points in the only game he has played there so far. His side will hope he continues his form as they look for an all-important win.

Sandeep Narwal – Puneri Paltan

Sandeep Narwal has been in excellent form recently. He has scored the most points for Puneri Paltan in the last five games including a High 5, a Super Raid and a Super Tackle. Puneri Paltan will hope for a similar performance from one of their veterans.