U Mumba defeated UP Yoddha 34-31 in a thrilling match of Pro Kabaddi League.
AHMEDABAD: Compact and in-form U Mumbai performed brilliantly in the first match of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) tournament as they defeated traditional powerhouse UP Warriors in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Excellent performances from Amirmohamed Zafardanesh (11 points), Rinku and Guman Singh ensured that U Mumba would win 34-31.
U Mumba’s side had the better of the early exchanges in the first half and kept the Warriors’ dangerous raiding unit at bay. Pardeep, who has always been very efficient in attack, had a slow start to his season and it was reflected in the scoreline. According to a PKL press release, Amirmohamed Zafardanesh led the way for U Mumba early on with three successful raids, putting pressure on the opposition.
In the final 10 minutes of the first half, a well-prepared U Mumba continued to clamp down on the Warriors and at one point began to lead by as much as seven points. Rinku made some big tackles while Jafardanesh was scoring important raid points. Yoddha’s Pardeep failed to score a single point in the first half, leaving U Mumba ahead by five points.
The Warriors started the first half with a super tackle; However, it did not take much time for the U Mumba team to get back into their rhythm. Jafardanesh, Rinku and Guman Singh were in high spirits and wanted to snatch the game. But the Warriors were also beginning to claw their way back into the game and got Zafardanesh ‘all-out’, bringing them back into the contest.
The contest was drawing to a close and with ten minutes remaining the Warriors were four points behind. Jafardanesh registered his first ‘Super 10’ of the season, while Surinder Gill was in form for the Warriors. The fans cheered both teams, matching each other’s moves. With 5 minutes remaining, Surinder Gill failed to make a do-or-die raid count, giving some relief to U Mumba, who took a four-point lead. Ultimately, the Warriors were unable to make a comeback and U Mumba secured a comfortable win.
Sunday Matches: Game 1: Tamil Thalaivas vs Dabang Delhi KC – 8 PM
Game 2: Gujarat Giants vs Bengaluru Bulls – 9 PM.
