Vikash Kandola’s clutch raiding guides Haryana Steelers to crucial win over Jaipur Pink Panthers

A Super 10 from Vikash Kandola and a mighty effort from the defence in the final five minutes helped Haryana Steelers beat Jaipur Pink Panthers 35-28. With this win, Haryana cut the gap to third-placed Bengaluru Bulls to a solitary point on the vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 8 points table.

The game got off to a frantic start, with both teams matching each other blow-for-blow to maintain parity on the scoreboard. Steelers’ skipper Vikash Kandola helped his side seize the advantage with three quick raid points that reduced the Pink Panthers to a solitary man on the mat.

Haryana’s defence sat deep and let substitute Brijendra Singh pick up the bonus before pouncing on him to inflict the game’s first All Out and take an 11-7 lead. The Steelers fended off Jaipur’s attempts at a comeback and maintained their four-point advantage on the scoreboard for the rest of the first half to go into the break leading 18-14.

The Pink Panthers cut the deficit to two points with a bonus and tackle points, but the Steelers reclaimed their four-point advantage with a touch and tackle point, which also reduced Jaipur to just three on the mat.

With his team pegged on the backfoot, Sandeep Dhull came to the fore with a Super Tackle on Kandola and another tackle on Vinay, which brought parity to the scoreline. Mohit and Meetu helped the Steelers take a two-point lead, but the Pink Panthers responded with four unanswered points to reduce the Steelers to just men on the mat.

With an All Out looming large, Haryana needed a big moment on defence, and Mohit obliged with a Super Tackle to bring parity to the scoreline. A clutch raid from Kandola and another Super Tackle from Ravi Kumar helped the Steelers turn the tide of the contest and take a three-point lead. Ashish’s sensational Thigh Hold on Naveen and Vikash’s 10th raid point of the night saw Haryana reduce Jaipur to a solitary man on the mat.

With the deficit at seven and time left only one more raid, the Pink Panthers played it safe and put in an empty raid to ensure they earned a point from the contest. But it was Haryana who took home five points and reclaimed the fourth spot on the points table.

Top Performers

Haryana Steelers

Best Raider - Vikash Kandola (10 Raid Points)

Best Defender – Mohit (4 Tackle Points)

Jaipur Pink Panthers

Best Raider – Deepak Hooda (7 Raid Points)

Best Defender – Sandeep Dhull (6 Tackle Points)