PKL 11 Match 101 Preview: Haryana Steelers vs Telugu Titans Clash in Pune
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 witnessed a riveting contest between Haryana Steelers and Telugu Titans in Match 101.
Hosted at the Badminton Hall, Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune, the game took place on December 9 at 8:00 PM IST.
This clash was significant not only for the points table but also for Haryana Steelers’ quest to avenge their previous loss to the Titans in the Noida leg of the tournament.
Form Guide: Haryana Steelers and Telugu Titans
The Haryana Steelers entered this encounter on a high, having secured a 42-36 win against Patna Pirates on December 6. This victory marked their thirteenth win of the season, reinforcing their dominance at the top of the PKL Season 11 points table.
The Telugu Titans, too, came into the game with momentum, having edged out Bengal Warriors in a close 34-32 victory on December 7.
Head-to-Head Record
In their PKL history, Haryana Steelers and Telugu Titans have faced off 12 times. Haryana holds the upper hand with six victories, while the Titans have won five matches.
One contest ended in a tie. However, in their previous meeting this season, the Titans triumphed with a convincing 49-27 win.
This time, the Steelers sought revenge and further solidified their lead at the top of the standings.
After 17 matches, Haryana Steelers led the league with 67 points, winning 13 and losing 4 games. The Titans, with 54 points, occupied fifth place with 10 wins and 7 losses.
Key Players: Performance and Milestones
Haryana Steelers
- Vinay: With 121 raid points in 17 matches, he spearheads the raiding department. He added 3 points in the previous game and is just 7 points away from achieving 500 raid points in his PKL career.
- Rahul Sethpal: A standout defender, Rahul has tallied 49 tackle points and is one point short of reaching 50 tackle points in this season alone.
- Mohammadreza Shadloui: A versatile all-rounder, Shadloui has amassed 99 points this season, making him a crucial asset for the Steelers.
Telugu Titans
- Ashish Kaptan Narwal: Leading the raid unit with 86 raid points, Ashish is just 4 points shy of the 100-point milestone in his career.
- Sagar Sethpal Rawal: The top defender for the Titans, Sagar has claimed 36 tackle points this season.
- Vijay Malik: A key all-rounder for the Titans, Vijay has racked up 148 points in 17 matches and needs 9 more points to reach 100 tackle points.
Match Highlights: Haryana Steelers’ Commanding Performance
The Steelers started aggressively, with raider Vinay claiming three quick raid points to establish an early lead. The Titans responded with Ashish Narwal’s impressive raid, removing Jaideep and Sanjay, but the Steelers maintained dominance.
Nine minutes into the first half, Haryana inflicted the first ALL OUT on the Titans, setting the tone for the match. By halftime, Haryana extended their lead to 19 points, ending the half at 28-9.
Key contributions came from Shivam Patare, who scored 7 points, and Shadloui, who excelled in both raiding and defense.
In the second half, Telugu Titans’ captain Vijay Malik attempted to rally his team with crucial raids, including a two-player removal of Shadloui and Jaideep.
Despite this, the Steelers continued to dictate the game, with Shivam Patare achieving a Super 10 after a stellar Do-Or-Die raid.
While the Titans showed moments of resilience, including a Super Tackle by Vijay Malik and Ashish Narwal, they fell short. A last-minute effort by Ashish to prevent another ALL OUT was insufficient to change the game’s outcome.
Final Score: Haryana Steelers Seal a Dominant Win
Haryana Steelers secured a 46-25 victory over the Telugu Titans, consolidating their top spot in the PKL Season 11 standings. The win also marked a successful revenge for their earlier defeat against the Titans.
- Top Performers for Haryana Steelers:
- Shivam Patare: 12 raid points
- Rahul Sethpal: 4 tackle points
- Top Performers for Telugu Titans:
- Vijay Malik: 9 points
- Ashish Narwal: 7 points
Where to Watch PKL Season 11
Catch all PKL Season 11 matches live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar. For updates, visit prokabaddi.com or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App.
