New Delhi : U Mumba produced a clinical performance to thrash Puneri Paltan 44-28 in the first match of the Pro Kabaddi League at the Thyagraj Stadium on Monday.
U Mumba stamped their authority as Shabeer Pathapalem and Jeeva Kumar stole limelight as they were adjudged ‘Star Raider’ and ‘Best Defender’ respectively while captain of Puneri Paltan, Wazir Singh scored maximum points for his team.
U Mumba showed their attacking intents from the very outset as they opened a 9-1 lead but Paltans showed their resilience as some defensive errors by Umumba helped them reduce the margin. At the end of the first half U Mumba were leading by a slender 18-17margin.
In the second half, U Mumba came out all guns blazing as they took full advantage of Paltan’s weak defence.
In the last section, Pune team lost both mental and physical battle as U Mumba dished out a superlative performance both in raids and defence as they eventually clinch the tie. With this win, U Mumba now cemented their spot in the top of the points table with 28 points and still remain unbeaten in six matches. They will now take on Bengaluru Bulls in the first match today.
Meanwhile, hosts Dabang Delhi lost 31-36 against Patna in the second match of the day which was graced by veteran BJP leader L K Advani at the Thyagraj stadium. Waseem Sajjad and Ravi Dalal stole the limelight as they were rightfully adjudged best defender and star raider while Shrikant Tewthia scored maximum points for the Delhi outfit.
Advani congratulated the organisers for holding such a tournament, which he hoped would bring back the ancient game of kabaddi back into limelight. —PTI
