U Mumba roars back into reckoning with win over Steelers

Anup Kumar and Kuldeep Singh starred for the home side as it arrested its slide in the Pro Kabaddi League.

U Mumba tackler Surinder Singh (middle) attempts a solo catch.

U Mumba stopped its three-match losing streak with a pulsating display of tackling and sensible raiding against Haryana Steelers for a 38-32 victory in the Pro Kabaddi League. Anup Kumar (eight raid points) and Kuldeep Singh (seven tackle points) helped the home team ensure its second win over Steelers in the competition.

U Mumba’s tie against UP Yoddha was called off due to floods in the city, forcing the cornered team into an almost must-win on Wednesday.

Surinder Singh (three tackle points) and Kuldeep were on form at both ends, managing solo tackles from the outset. Shrikant Jadhav lend support to skipper Anup in the offensive zone with six points. Haryana tried to fight back via raiders Vikas Kandola (nine) and Wazir Singh (seven), but came away second best.

READ: Scorecard and play-by-play commentary

Surinder features

Nine matches into the season, U Mumba was still searching for the winning combination. Shabeer Bappu, recovering from a strained back, was a notable absentee in the attack. Maverick tackler Surinder was persisted with. The youngster won two tackle points before attempting a solo catch.

Haryana’s young star Vikash delayed an all-out win with a successful raid when he was the only man left, but got trapped the next time he stepped into rival territory. U Mumba looked confident at 15-10 ahead with the entire squad playing like a revitalised unit. It was 20-15 ahead at half-time despite a mini recovery by the visitor.

Fans roared in support as Kuldeep produced a super tackle to nail Vikas. Haryana clawed back into the match by clearing out the entire U Mumba team for all-out and reducing the lead to 23-25. Deepak Kumar pulled his side level at 27-all as the tie approached the climax. Two super tackles by U Mumba gave voice to the stands.

Soon U Mumba was celebrating a win, which gave it the fourth spot in Zone A with 24 points. Steelers is placed fifth on 23 points after seven ties.

Scores

U Mumba 38 (Anup Kumar 8, Shrikant Jadhav 6, Kuldeep Singh 7) bt Haryana Steelers 32 (Vikas Kandola 9, Wazir Singh 7).