Kabaddi: Ashu Malik’s heroics against Puneri Paltan sees Dabang Delhi end Week 1 of PKL 12 unbeaten

Delhi pull off stunning Golden Raid win over Pune

Over the first week of Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League, the betting odds suggested that Puneri Paltan were the team to beat in this year’s competition, but that has changed since Thursday, when they were handed their first defeat of the competition. 

Dabang Delhi was the side responsible for their defeat, having managed to pull off arguably the most dramatic victory of the competition so far, with Ashu Malik and Fazel Atrachali leading their franchise to victory with incredible performances. 

The Pune team got off to a brisk start, jumping to a 2-0 lead before Atrachali pulled one back for his side with a tackle. The back and forth continued up to the first Time Out, at which point the sides were separated by just two points at 8-6. 

Malik then made his first significant impact on the game, executing a Super Raid to earn Delhi three points and take them to a 12-10 lead. However, Pune refused to give in, and in the final minute, they managed to stop Sachin from crossing the Baulk Line to level proceedings and force a tie-breaker. 

During the tie-breaker, both teams once again proved perfectly matched - after Paltan edged ahead 1-0, Dabang responded swiftly and by the end of regulation time, the sides were locked level at 5-5, leading to a Golden Raid.

After winning the toss, the Delhi franchise put their faith in captain Malik, who responded to the pressure expertly by picking up a Touch Point and a Bonus Point to pip their opponents 29-28 and keep their unbeaten record in the competition intact heading into Week 2. 

Check out our sports predictions 

PKL standings after Week 1

We’ve now had seven full days and 14 matches in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League, and the table is starting to take shape. Despite losing on Thursday, Puneria Palthan are still leading the standings, but only by two points. 

Behind the Pune franchise, UP Yoddhas and Dabang Delhi are the only two teams in the competition that have yet to drop points this year after two games, while U Mumba’s brisk start sees them currently occupying the final spot in the top four. 

Notably, the defending champions, Haryana Steelers, have split their first two matches, while the Gujarat Titans have perhaps been the most disappointing side to date, currently bottom of the table after two heavy defeats. 

More kabaddi news