Patna Pirates aim to extend unbeaten run to seven games when they face resurgent Jaipur Pink Panthers

A tasty serving of two terrific vivo Pro Kabaddi games is the perfect way to kick off the weekend festivities.

In the first game this evening, Jaipur Pink Panthers will take on league-leaders Patna Pirates, and in the second, Gujarat Giants will go head-to-head against the Bengaluru Bulls.   

Check out our preview for both matches:

Match 53: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates

After losing three straight games, Jaipur Pink Panthers have bounced back with two successive wins and have climbed to seventh on the points table. Their discipline has been spectacular in the last two outings. They have given up 27 points per game in their last two matches after conceding a shade over 35 on average in the three before. Their resurgence has coincided with defender Sahul Kumar’s upturn in form. The all-rounder has scored 12 tackle points in his last two matches and is quickly becoming the team’s lynchpin in defence. The Pink Panthers will be hoping to continue their good form and climb up the points table with another win.

Due to the Tamil Thalaivas’ loss against the Bengal Warriors yesterday, the Patna Pirates now hold the longest active unbeaten streak in vivo PKL Season 8 at six games. The Pirates are coming off a mammoth 43-23 win over U Mumba. Patna’s defence in that game was awe-inspiring, especially Neeraj Kumar and Mohammadreza Chiyaneh, who combined for 13 tackle points. The Pirates are currently at the top of the table and have a game in hand over the five teams immediately below them on the standings. With the Bulls scheduled to play tonight in the second game, the Pirates will want to make sure they beat the Pink Panthers and remain at the summit of the standings, irrespective of the result in Bengaluru’s game.   

Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates head-to-head

The Jaipur Pink Panthers have won five and lost nine of their 14 matches against the Patna Pirates.

 Match 54: Gujarat Giants vs Bengaluru Bulls

In their previous outing, the Gujarat Giants snapped their run of six games without a win with a 40-22 victory over the Telugu Titans. All-rounder Rakesh scored 16 points, while Parvesh Bhainswal announced his return to form with a High 5. Coach Manpreet Singh would be satisfied with his team’s defensive effort in their win over the Titans. Only two teams have scored fewer tackle points than the Giants this season, so it’s crucial that the defensive unit find its rhythm soon. The Giants are currently 11^th but could leapfrog to fifth on the points table with a win over the Bengaluru Bulls on Friday, making this a crucial game for coach Manpreet and his men.    

The Bulls rinsed off the pain of their loss to the U.P. Yoddha with a 61-22 hammering of Dabang Delhi K.C in their last match. Skipper Pawan Sehrawat was in inspired form and finished the night with 27 points, the most by a player in a game in Season 8. While the Hi-Flyer was doing damage on offence, the defence also contributed in a big way, scoring 15 tackle points on the night. Bengaluru have had a terrific season thus far, and they would want to continue that with a win over the Giants.  

Gujarat Giants vs Bengaluru Bulls head-to-head

The Gujarat Giants hold a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head matches against the Bengaluru Bulls. One game between the two teams finished in a tie.

PKL Schedule for Friday, January 14

Match 53: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs. Patna Pirates, 7:30 PM IST

Match 54: Gujarat Giants vs. Bengaluru Bulls, 8:30 PM IST

Where to watch vivo Pro Kabaddi live?

Catch all the LIVE action from vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 8 on the Star Sports Network and LIVE streaming on Disney+Hotstar.