U Mumba defeated the Jaipur Pink Panthers 37-36 on Tuesday thanks to an outstanding performance from Ajit Chouhan and the defense at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. With this victory, U Mumba is now in fourth place in the standings and might finish among the top four.
Ajit Chouhan’s effective raid gave U Mumba the lead, but Nitin Kumar’s astute raid from the Jaipur Pink Panthers swiftly tied the score. The early minutes of the match were competitive and closely balanced as both teams kept trading points.
The Panthers then took the lead thanks to a spectacular multi-point raid from Nitin Kumar, who scored two vital points. Though U Mumba was able to secure a bonus point to remain within touching distance, their defense responded magnificently, with Deepanshu Khatri making a brilliant tackle to increase their lead.
The Panthers maintained a two-point advantage in spite of U Mumba’s attempts. But shortly after, U Mumba’s defense came to life with an incredible Super Tackle that tied the score at 8–8. With yet another outstanding tackle from Deepanshu Khatri, the Jaipur Pink Panthers swiftly reclaimed possession, and by the time the Strategic Time Out was triggered in the first half, the Panthers were just 8–9 up.
When play resumed, both sides started off carefully, launching a few fruitless raids before U Mumba’s incredible Super Tackle ended the stalemate and gave them a 10–9 advantage. Sathish Kannan quickly extended their lead with a successful raid, adding another point.
U Mumba kept up their momentum, putting on a strong all-around performance in which both defenders and raiders made valuable contributions. They placed pressure on the Jaipur Pink Panthers by expanding the deficit further thanks to their shrewd raiding and excellent defense.
U Mumba’s All Out, which gave them complete control of the game and increased their lead to 19–12, was the game-changing moment. They continued to dominate the last few minutes of the half, and U Mumba had a commanding 22–12 advantage by the time the halftime whistle blew.
Similar trends prevailed in the second half as U Mumba maintained control. After the interval, U Mumba added a point thanks to a spectacular tackle by Parvesh Bhainswal. Following a brilliant raid by Nitin Kumar, the Jaipur Pink Panthers came back when Deepanshu Khatri hit a tackle for a point.
Then, with a Super Raid, Ajit Chouhan gave U Mumba a huge moment, scoring three points and finishing his Super 10. U Mumba continued to apply pressure, and they won 29–17 thanks to another powerful tackle.
Parvinder gave the Panthers a Super Raid in response, scoring three points and cutting the deficit to 29–22. The score was 29-23 at the half when the Panthers scored another point prior to the Strategic Time Out.
The Jaipur Pink Panthers got off to a fast start as play resumed, immediately reducing the lead to 29-26 with an All Out. Deepanshu Khatri’s outstanding tackle shortly after reduced the difference to just two points. Nitin Kumar maintained his excellent form during this time by finishing his Super 10.
In the last minutes, both teams traded scores, but U Mumba remained composed and retained their lead to win.
