PKL: Steelers holds Giants to draw, Titans falters again

One of the highlights of the match was Gujarat’s Iranian defender Fazel, who became the first overseas player to score 100 tackle points in the PKL.

Gujarat faltered in the crucial last 10 minutes when the opponent scored 13 crucial points after being in control for the first half-hour.

It was another spirited display by Gujarat Fortune Giants' captain Sukesh Hegde, Iranian duo of Fazel Atrachali and Abozar Mohajer Mighani which gave little freedom to the Haryana raiders in their territory.

The debutant Gujarat Giants led 11-8 at the end of first session. But on resumption, the efficacy of Gujarat's defence came to the fore again much to the dismay of the opposition.

With Rakesh Narwal and Sunil Kumar complementing superbly in defence, Gujarat was clearly the more dominant team as the second session progressed.

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But, what clearly left Haryana behind was the super tackle which saw the opposition take 13-12 lead.

Then it was the turn of raiders Mahendra Ganesh Rajput and captain Sukesh to see Gujarat swell the lead comfortably. Sukesh brought in all his experience to see his team complete an all-out and pick four crucial points extend the lead 20-13 lead

Despite Gujarat seemingly in control of the game with that convincing lead, Haryana showed steely determination to fight back into contention, thanks to the brilliance of its captain Surender Nada who scored seven tackle points in all and raider Vikash Khandola, who effected an equal number of raid points.

Compounding Gujarat’s woes in the final moments was the timely substitution by Haryana think-tank , which brought Surender Singh into play. Singh scored six raid points.

Gujarat faltered in the crucial last 10 minutes when the opponent scored 13 crucial points after being in control for the first half-hour.

One of the highlights of the match was Gujarat’s Iranian defender Fazel, who became the first overseas player to score 100 tackle points in the PKL.

Titans slips to another defeat

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In the second match of the evening, Bengal Warriors defeated Telugu Titans 30-24, as the home team slumped to its fourth defeat in five matches.

The result:

Gujarat Fortune Giants drew with Haryana Steelers 27-all.

Bengal Warriors bt Telugu Titans 30-24.

Thursday’s match: Telugu Titans vs Patna Pirates – 8.00 pm.