Jaipur Pink Panthers put on quite the show enroute to a 44-30 victory over Haryana Steelers at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday. With this victory, the Panthers confirmed their place in the semi-finals.

In what was a slow start to the contest, Jaipur Pink Panthers got the better of their opponents in the early exchanges, edging into a slender two-point lead after the first three minutes. Jaipur Pink Panthers were doing well to keep both Meetu Sharma and Manjeet in check however it was Rakesh Narwal, who was helping Haryana Steelers kick on.  

V Ajith Kumar’s raid though forced two Haryana Steelers players off the mat as Jaipur Pink Panthers continued to keep their opponents at bay. Rakesh Narwal landed a three-point raid for Haryana Steelers, but Jaipur Pink Panthers held on to a slender lead. Even though Jaipur Pink Panthers were in the lead for the most part of the first half, Haryana Steelers kept fighting to stay in the contest. At the break, the score read 21-15 in favour of Jaipur Pink Panthers.  

It was a slow start to the second half, beginning with a few empty raids. However, soon after the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ unit were out of the blocks faster than Haryana Steelers, picking up the first points. The Panthers continued to add to their lead and took control of proceedings, not allowing Haryana Steelers’ raiders any space.  

Lucky Sharma and Sahul Kumar pulled off a fantastic tackle on Manjeet in the 29th minute and from thereon, the Panthers took the match away from the Steelers. Meetu, Manjeet and Rakesh were finding it tough to get their raids in as the Panthers continued to stretch their lead.

Manjeet and Co. threw the kitchen sink in the final few minutes of play, but Jaipur Pink Panthers kept them at arm’s length, not allowing any hopes of a comeback. Eventually, the Panthers proved to be too strong a unit on the day, and walked away with a comprehensive victory.

Top Performers

Jaipur Pink Panthers

Best Raider - V Ajith Kumar (13 Raid Points)

Best Defender - Sahul Kumar (6 Tackle Points) 

Haryana Steelers

Best Raider - Manjeet (6 Raid Points) 

Best Defender - Monu Hooda (3 Tackle Points) 

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