Exciting set of inter-zonal encounters to ensure a Sunday well spent

By now it should be common knowledge that VIVO Pro Kabaddi is excitement and entertainment galore. And in keeping with its reputation, the league ushers in another couple of inter-zonal matches at Lucknow’s Babu Banarsi Das Indoor Stadium on Sunday, and fans have the prospect of unlimited fun. Here’s a look at the clashes of the evening.

Match 38: Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan

Head-to-head: Patna Pirates 8-0 Puneri Paltan

Double defending champions Patna Pirates enter this match as the only team in the league not to lose any game so far. Continuing their Season 3 and 4 form, this robust unit led by ‘Dubki King’ Pardeep Narwal presently sits third in the Zone B table having played just four matches. Narwal, who despite an off day managed nine points in the Pirates’ last match, and Vishal Mane have been in glistening form and Pune will have to stop these two players or else it will be a foregone conclusion.

Puneri Paltan are in good touch, having lost only one of their four encounters so far. With 16 points in their kitty, the Maharashtra outfit would look to continue their dominance from their 17-point win against Bengal Warriors in their last match. Deepak Hooda is leading his Paltan from the front with a handful of young and talented raiders at his disposal. The biggest threat for Patna, however, would be Sandeep Narwal, whose dazzling form has rippled waters both at the back and the other side of the mat. Be that as it may, the evening will be a big test of character for them.

Match 39: U.P. Yoddha vs Jaipur Pink Panthers

U.P. Yoddha would aim to alter their dwindling fortunes at home, having tasted back-to-back defeats. They currently hold the second place in the Zone B table with 20 points from 7 matches. They have lost their last two matches narrowly in the dying minutes which highlights the fact that Nitin Tomar’s men need to have better control of their nerves when the pressure increases. Rishank Devadiga has got back his golden touch but the defence leaves a lot to be desired. Against One-Man-Army Manjeet Chhillar, the Yoddha need to tick most of the boxes to return to winning ways.

Though languishing at the bottom of the Zone B points table with 12 points from 4 matches, Jaipur Pink Panthers made a big statement in their last match against Bengaluru Bulls. Chhillar stamped his dominance with a sturdy performance in the defence, while Jasvir Singh came back to his element with a Super 10. Jaipur need to hold onto this form if they want to sink the Yoddha ship. The ‘One Man Army’ has to cash in on the Yoddha’s nerves in the last few minutes of the game.

Catch all the action live only on the Star Sports network and hotstar from 8 pm IST onwards.