Patna Pirates record narrow win against Tamil Thalaivas

Mumbai, July 30 (IANS) It was Patna Pirates who came out on top as they beat Tamil Thalaivas 24-23.

The match was billed as an encounter between Rahul Chaudhari and Pardeep Narwal, who are the two most successful raiders of Pro Kabaddi League history. But it turned out that the defence of Patna turned the match in their favour with Super Tackles throughout the match.

Jaideep scored seven tackle points and was ably supported by young Monu who chipped in with a strong all-round performance. Chaudhari completed 900 raids making history in Pro Kabaddi League Season 7 and top-scored with five points for the Tamil Thalaivas.

Manjeet Chhillar, who also reached 300 tackle points, began the half strongly for Tamil Thalaivas as he tackled Narwal and dangerman Jang Kun Lee. Jaideep, on the other hand, was a rock at the back for Patna Pirates and showed tremendous amount of strength and toughness.

Chaudhari, who always delivered his best against Patna, got his first raid point in the 4th minute to give Thalaivas a 4-0 lead. The first half was all about Super Tackles for Patna Pirates. Jaideep forced one in the 4th minute to get Patna off the mark. It was one of those rare occasions when Narwal failed to open his account in the first half.

With Narwal misfiring, it was left to Patna's defence to get the points on board. Hadi Oshtorak forced a Super Tackle in the 17th minute to send Chaudhari to the bench and averted an all-out for Patna Pirates.

At the end of the first half, both teams were level at 11 points each.

Chaudhari, who is the all-time leading raid point scorer against Patna Pirates with 145 raid points in 15 matches, which is also the most by any player against a single team - scored just one point in the first half. For Thalaivas, Chhillar picked up four tackle points in the first half alone. Thakur reached 600 raid points in his Pro Kabaddi League career but had a quiet match.

Patna Pirates began the second half on the same note as they forced another Super Tackle to lead 14-13 after 27 minutes. Chaudhari picked up a two-point raid to level the match at 16-16. Patna Pirates then forced another tackle to take 18-16 lead in the 32nd minute.

In the 38th minute, Narwal got his first point and sent Chhillar to the bench. In the last minute, Chaudhari made an unforced error and handed Patna Pirates a victory in the end with the final score 23-24.