Puneri Paltan Snatch Thrilling Last-Second Victory Over Gujarat Giants in PKL Season 11
In a nail-biting Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 clash, defending champions Puneri Paltan edged out Gujarat Giants 34-33 on Friday at the Noida Indoor Stadium. Captain Akash Shinde delivered a stellar performance, scoring 12 points to lead his team to a dramatic victory. Guman Singh was the star for the Giants, racking up 16 points in a losing effort.
A High-Octane First Half
The match started explosively, with Guman Singh’s massive 4-point raid putting the Gujarat Giants in control early. Despite the early setback, Akash Shinde spearheaded Puneri Paltan’s counterattack. By the 10th minute, the defending champions had leveled the scores, thanks to Shinde’s relentless raids. Guman Singh continued to dominate, completing his Super 10 in just 12 minutes, as the Giants pulled away again.
However, mistakes by Parteek Dahiya, including stepping out of bounds in the 15th minute, allowed Puneri Paltan to close the gap. The combined efforts of Shinde and Mohit Goyat ensured the teams went into halftime tied at 16-16, setting the stage for a pulsating second half.
Momentum Swings in a Fierce Second Half
The Puneri Paltan roared into the second half with an immediate ALL OUT on the Giants, taking the lead. Gujarat, led by Parteek Dahiya and the unstoppable Guman Singh, mounted a fierce comeback. Shinde completed his Super 10 near the half-hour mark, giving the Paltan a narrow edge. But the Giants struck back with an ALL OUT of their own, reclaiming the lead with ten minutes left.
The final moments were electric as Gujarat seemed poised for victory after extending their lead. However, Puneri Paltan refused to back down. Aryavardhan Navale secured critical points, and with two minutes remaining, V Aijith leveled the score. In the dying seconds, Puneri Paltan’s defense thwarted Guman Singh’s last raid, sealing a sensational one-point victory.
Key Performers
- Puneri Paltan: Akash Shinde (12 points), Dadaso Pujari (4 points), Aryavardhan Navale (2 points)
- Gujarat Giants: Guman Singh (16 points)
What’s Next?
The Puneri Paltan’s dramatic win solidifies their position as a top contender this season, while the Gujarat Giants will look to regroup after coming heartbreakingly close to victory. The thrilling encounter showcased PKL at its finest, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this intense rivalry.
