Ajay Thakur produced a remarkable performance in the last five minutes Tamil Thalaivas edged past Gujarat Fortunegiants 35-34 in a thrilling match of the Pro Kabaddi League on Monday. Thalaivas were well behind their opponents going into the final exchanges of the game when Thakur scored three raid points in the last minute to lead his team to victory, PTI reported.
Thakur ended with 13 points and was well supported by Prapanjan who contributed with nine. Sachin scored 11 points for the Fortunegiants. Gujarat are top of the table in Zone A with 61 points from 16 matches. Thalaivas are now at bottom of the table in Zone B with 28 points from 13 matches.
It was one-way traffic in the early stages of the first half as Gujarat piled on the points and inflicted an all-out to lead 13-6. Both teams’ defence had a quiet first-half as they managed just five tackle points.
Despite Thakur and Prapanjan’s best efforts, the Fortunegiants had a seven-point lead at half-time. Things went from bad to worse for the Thalaivas as Fortunegiants began the second half scored three points in three minutes to lead 23-13 after 23 minutes. Gujarat then inflicted another all-out and the game looked all but over.
However, the Thalaivas turned the match on its head in the last five minutes. They were trailing by massive ten points as the score was 33-23 in the Fortunegiants’ favour. Thakur then scored two raid points in two minutes to trim his opponents’ lead to six. In what was a frenetic last couple of minutes in the contest, the league debutants managed an all-out while Thakur applied the finishing touches by earning three raid points.
No stopping in-form Pirates
Dabang Delhi made a valiant attempt to make a comeback but fell short as they lost 34-36 against Patna Pirates. Delhi were trailing by a whopping 12 points in the early stages but staged a fight back in the second half. The Pirates, though, displayed their experience and class in the closing stages of the game to pocket yet another win.
Pardeep Narwal’s extraordinary run of form continued, picking up 14 points this time. Delhi’s wretched home form continued as they crashed to fourth successive defeat in front of their home fans. Pirates remain top of the table in Zone B with 65 points from 18 matches. Dabang Delhi are still bottom of the table with 31 points after 16 matches.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!