Nitin, Samadi star as Jaipur Pink Panthers seal first home victory
Jaipur Pink Panthers claimed their first home win of PKL 12, defeating UP Yoddhas 41-29. Nitin Kumar and Ali Samadi starred, while Gagan Gowda’s Super 10 could not prevent defeat
Hyderabad: Jaipur Pink Panthers registered their first home win, delivering a commanding performance to secure a 41-29 victory against UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.
For the two-time champions, Nitin Kumar carried on his fine form with another Super 10, while Ali Samadi impressed with nine raid points. Reza Mirbagheri added four tackles, while Deepanshu Khatri and Aryan Kumar bagged three tackles each. For UP Yoddhas, Gagan Gowda’s 15 points and Sumit Sangwan’s four tackles were not enough.
It was a slow start for the home side, with UP Yoddhas imposing themselves early. Shivam Chaudhary opened their account with a bonus, while Bhavani Rajput added a two-point raid. Gagan Gowda also contributed, putting the Pink Panthers’ defenders under pressure.
Soon after, Nitin Kumar and Ali Samadi led the charge for the hosts. Samadi struck with a two-point raid to level at 5-5. Building on that momentum, the Pink Panthers inflicted an ALL OUT through a tackle from Reza Mirbagheri, taking a three-point lead at the first timeout.
The home side widened the gap with the Iranian duo of Samadi and Mirbagheri excelling at both ends. Samadi delivered another ALL OUT with a two-point raid, helping the Pink Panthers stretch their lead to ten. By halftime, the champions were firmly in control at 23-12.
The Yoddhas began the second half with intent, led by Gagan Gowda in attack and Sumit Sangwan in defence. However, a Super Tackle from Deepanshu Khatri restored the Panthers’ advantage. With a healthy lead, the hosts slowed the tempo, while Sumit tried to inspire his side with four tackles. Despite his efforts, the Yoddhas still trailed by double digits going into the final quarter.
Jaipur Pink Panthers stayed relentless, closing out the contest convincingly. It was also the first time in five matches they registered 10 tackle points in a game. Gagan Gowda managed his fourth Super 10 of PKL 12, but it wasn’t enough.
Nitin Kumar completed his Super 10 with another ALL OUT, sealing the result. Gagan’s late Super Raid brought consolation for the Yoddhas, but the night belonged to the Pink Panthers, who wrapped up a 41-29 win.
