In a tough match that swung back and forth numerous times until the three-time champions prevailed Patna Pirates recorded a calm all-around performance to overcome UP Yoddhas 36-28.
Despite starting the game near the bottom of the table, the Pirates demonstrated tenacity in rallying from an early deficit to win a victory that raised spirits. With 15 points from Ayan Lohchab, Navdeep’s high five helped their defense prevail. Super 10 and Gagan Gowda were in vain for the Yoddhas.
The Yoddhas and Pirates got off to a near, fast-paced start. A Super Raid that threw Ankit Kumar, Navdeep, and Balaji D off the mat was one of Gagan Gowda’s nine raid points from just four raids, demonstrating his exceptional form. After making a quick tackle on Sudhakar M, Mahender Singh increased the score. The Yoddhas took early control after a cautious start thanks to Gagan’s brilliant rhythm.
Ayan was the Pirates’ most notable player. In order to maintain pressure on the Yoddhas’ defense, he dismissed Sumit, Bhavani Rajput, and Mahender Singh with deft maneuvers and a fearless demeanor. Gagan and Ayan, the two raiders, traded points in style while controlling the mat with finesse and accuracy. The Yoddhas had a slim but well-earned four-point lead at 12-8 at the completion of the first ten minutes.
Momentum shifted in favor of the Patna Pirates in the second phase as they strengthened their defense and took advantage of the Yoddhas’ mistakes. During the next ten minutes, the Yoddhas were only able to score two points while the Pirates scored eight, with Gagan and Bhavani finding it difficult to have an impact. Deepak gave Bhavani a Super Tackle, which boosted the Pirates’ confidence.
With decisive raids that sent Hitesh and other important Yoddhas defenders off the mat, Ayan remained the primary threat. His astute Do-Or-Die raids kept the pressure on, and Deepak and Ankit provided solid defensive support. The Pirates had flipped the tide and were ahead 14–16 at the end of the first half.
With a string of self-assured raids that kept the Yoddhas’ defenders on edge, Ayan finished his Super 10 in excellent form. With Patna gradually gaining momentum, his agility and skill to turn Do-or-Die situations made all the difference. In the meantime, despite sporadic points from Shivam and Bhavani, the Yoddhas had trouble finding rhythm in their attack.
When the Yoddhas were given a critical lead by the Pirates’ first ALL OUT of the night, it was a turning moment in the game. Ankit and Deepak played a crucial role in laying the defensive traps, and Ayan’s raids made sure the pressure never decreased. The opponents’ ability to balance across departments was evident, and Gagan and Mahender’s attempts to rally were short-lived.
The Pirates remained calm in the closing moments to defeat a late Yoddhas charge. With his 15 points, Ayan, who exceeded the 300-point mark in the PKL, maintained his lead. Navdeep, in the meantime, flawlessly coordinated the defense to finish a High Five.
Although Mahender’s defensive tenacity and Gagan’s Super 10 were noteworthy, they weren’t enough to change the outcome for the Yoddhas. Because of their overall consistency, the Pirates managed to hold their ground and win by eight points, which enabled them get off the bottom of the table and gave their campaign new life.
