Puneri Paltan qualify for playoffs after thrilling 30-30 tie with Dabang Delhi

Puneri Paltan became the second team to qualify for the playoffs of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 after a thrilling 30-30 tie with Dabang Delhi K.C. at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Monday. In a neck-to-neck game, Aslam Inamdar (10 points) and Mohammadreza Chiyaneh (4 points) helped Puneri Paltan qualify for the playoffs. Delhi need one more win to qualify for the playoffs this season. 

After an initial feeling out period, Puneri Paltan streaked into a small lead early in the game, their credentials as one of the best teams this season shown clearly. And yet Dabang Delhi K.C. were not overawed, slowly clawing back into contention courtesy of their defence, before the raiding department took charge.

One of the revelations of the season, Ashu Malik ensured that Delhi never lost steam or hope despite trailing for the initial period of the game. Soon enough his sporadic touch points gave them a lead, and they inflicted the first All-Out with four minutes of the half left to take a 15-9 lead. It was a lead they extended to eight points at half-time.

The Paltan's season has been built on a team that never gives up, no matter the deficit, and so it proved in the second half. Led by Aslam Inamdar, they reduced Delhi's numbers on the mat and got an All-Out of their own to reduce the gap to three points. 

Just when it seemed that the momentum had shifted in favour of the Paltan, Delhi hit back with Ashish's tackle on a quick thinking Mohammadreza Chiyaneh that brought the crowd to its feet. Chiyaneh, notorious for his quick raids was caught out for once as Dabang wrestled him and the lead back within their grasp. 

The final five minutes of the game descended into a frenzy, with the two teams never separated by more than two points at any stage. With the final two raids of the evening, Paltan picked up the crucial points that drew them level for a tie. 

Top Performers

Dabang Delhi K.C.

Best Raider - Ashu Malik (8 raid points)

Best Defender - Yogesh (5 tackle points)

Puneri Paltan

Best Raider - Aslam Inamdar (10 raid points)

Best Defender - Mohammadreza Chiyaneh (3 tackle points)

Where to watch Pro Kabaddi Season 10 LIVE?

Catch all the LIVE action from Pro Kabaddi Season 10 on the Star Sports Network and for free on the Disney+ hotstar mobile app.