The Bengaluru Bulls defeated the Patna Pirates 38-30 to finally start their Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 record at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Saturday. In the match, Alireza Mirzaian recovered from three consecutive defeats to complete a well-earned Super 10, helped along by eight points from Aashish Malik.
In the first ten minutes, the Pirates and Bulls got off to a cagey start, with defenses holding strong. Deepak and Sanket Sawant’s combination tackling helped Patna maintain their lead, which stood at 8–6 at the 10-minute mark. After a sluggish start, Raider Ayan Lohchab, who eventually scored a Super 10 for the Pirates, contributed a few points to give Patna the advantage.
Raider Ganesha Hanamantagol appeared to be a lively player for the Bulls, but he was also held in check at crucial moments, such as when Sawant tackled him to stop the Bulls’ momentum. The first half went significantly in the Pirates’ favor since Maninder Singh hasn’t yet made an impression and the Pirates took advantage of defensive errors.
Momentum swung both ways in the first half, with Ayan giving the Pirates a brilliant moment. Sanjay Dhull and Jitender Yadav were eliminated in his final raid, giving the Bengaluru Bulls an ALL OUT and momentarily tipping the scales in Patna’s favor.
But Bengaluru made a strong resurgence. The Bulls overcame the deficit with an ALL OUT of their own, led by Alireza and Aashish Malik. The Bulls led 19–15 at the half thanks to Sanjay’s crucial tackles, which further frustrated the Pirates.
Patna received a much-needed boost at the beginning of the second half when Sudhakar launched a spectacular raid that pushed Yogesh and Satyappa off the mat. In order to keep the Pirates within striking distance, Ayan also reacted to pressure and dismissed Yogesh.
However, the Bulls maintained their poise, and Alireza maintained his excellent play. While Deepak’s tackles were crucial in stopping the Pirates’ advances, his Do-Or-Die raid dismissal of Deepak and Sanket was a pivotal moment. Bengaluru’s defense took the strain and held onto their slim 24–21 advantage, despite Patna’s persistent efforts, guaranteeing a pivotal last ten minutes.
The Patna Pirates gave the game their all in the last ten minutes, but the Bulls’ defense held fast. When the Bulls gave Patna a vital ALL OUT, it was the final blow. That breakdown turned the game decisively in the Bulls’ favor and extended their lead beyond all reasonable doubt.
Alireza finished his Super 10 in spectacular fashion, capping off the Bulls’ supremacy with his final successful raid. The Pirates made a last-ditch effort to rally, but the momentum was lost, and the Bulls won by a commanding eight points.
