Mumbai : Jaipur Pink Panthers held off a strong challenge from Dabang Delhi before squeezing out a narrow 24-22 victory in the Pro Kabaddi League here yesterday.
Trailing initially, Panthers took the lead after seven minutes and then led throughout to emerge victorious and also shoot to the top of the table with 42 points from 12 games.
Leading 14-11 at half-time, Panthers had to stave off a strong fight-back from their rivals in the closing stages of the game at the NSCI indoor stadium. Panthers led 22-21 with two minutes left on the clock and increased it by one point following a successful raid by Ajay Kumar.
Meraj Sheykh raided successfully for Delhi to make it 23-22 in the final minute of play before Rajesh Narwal made it 24-22 for the Panthers with seconds remaining on the clock.
Captain Jasveer Singh took the honours in attack for the Panthers with seven points followed by Ajay Kumar (5) and in defence they were well-served by Amit Hooda and Ran Singh who both came up with three tackle points. For the losers, Sheykh was the man of the day with his all-round prowess that fetched him 11 points, made up of eight in attack and the rest in defence, including a super tackle point. Kashiling Adake got four points, but overall Sheykh lacked support. The loss meant that Delhi were left near the bottom of the eight-team table, in seventh position, with 21 points from 10 matches. Meanwhile, U Mumba played a thrilling 25-25 draw with Telugu Titans in the other match.
