Bottom-placed Dabang Delhi began its home leg on a winning note with a comprehensive 41-20 victory against seventh-placed Bengal Warriors here on Sunday.
Kashiling Adake, who has had an indifferent outing so far in the Pro Kabaddi League’s fourth season, seemed a man on a mission, scoring 13 points in his 19 raids. Replaced as captain by in-form Iranian Meraj Sheykh, Adake appeared to play a lot more freely and with purpose.
Sheykh, on the other hand, seemed to relish the responsibility, not scoring too many points but keeping the team together and falling back to defend more.
It was complete domination for Delhi against a disjointed, brittle Bengal side that faltered in defence and was unable to penetrate in attack, managing only three tackle points. Delhi managed three all-outs and only late in the second half did it go down to less than five players on the mat.
That, however, did not prevent the home team from taking control of the proceedings. Sunday’s win helped Delhi exchange positions with Bengal on the league table though equal on points. The biggest advantage for Delhi is the fact that it has played two games fewer any other side in the competition.
But it would need a lot more of this effort if it hopes to make it to the knock-out stages while guarding against any clash of egos between Adake and Sheykh which appeared to flare up occasionally during the game.
TITANS TRIUMPHS AGAINST PINK PANTHERS
The day's second match, between top rung sides, Jaipur Pink Panthers and Telugu Titans, was a contrast. Titans won 35-23, led by Rahul Chaudhari, in a low-scoring game that saw both teams reluctant to go for the kill. Jaipur was without regular captain Jasvir Singh and his absence reflected in the team’s performance.
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