India trump Pakistan to continue unbeaten run

India defeated Pakistan 41-17 at the Al Wasl Sports Club, Dubai, on Monday to remain unbeaten so far in Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018. Bengaluru Bulls’ top raider Rohit Kumar was the star of the night for India and he was ably supported by Haryana Steelers’ new recruit Monu Goyat later in the game. Puneri Paltan’s defensive strongman Girish Maruti Ernak was a wall in defence, getting himself a High 5 in the process.

The game started slowly, with Rohit Kumar getting the first point of the game in the third minute. But once he got going there was no stopping him and he returned with a Super Raid soon to open up a 6-1 lead for India.

India inflicted their first All Out on Pakistan in the 9^th minute thanks to Kumar’s incessant efforts.

They kept dominating proceedings through Kumar and Ajay Thakur but a last second Super Tackle by Pakistan in the first half gave them some momentum going into the second half at 9-18.

Pakistan tried to ride the momentum and get some points back in the second half, but U.P. Yoddha frontman Rishank Devadiga, and Thakur shut them down, inflicting a second All Out in the 5^th minute to go 25-11 ahead.

Guarding India’s corners along with Mohit Chhillar, Girish Maruti Ernak picked out Pakistan’s raiders with ease and ensured that the pressure stayed on them throughout. His strong dashes and impressive holds earned him a well-deserved High 5.

Monu Goyat’s entry on the mat brought about a fresh energy in the Indian camp and they pushed the advantage even further. Goyat brought about a third All Out on Pakistan to completely deflate their morale.

India won the game by 24 points, with the scores at 41-17 when the full time whistle was sounded.

India are now through to the semi-finals of the event but will still want to keep their winning momentum as they face Kenya on Tuesday, 26^th of June at 9pm IST. Pakistan have a win under their belt will still want to win against Kenya on Wednesday, 27^th of June, to ensure that they go through to the semi-final.