Devank and Ayan Lead Patna Pirates to 32-28 Victory Over Dabang Delhi, Secure PKL 11 Final Spot

Patna Pirates clinched a thrilling 32-28 victory over Dabang Delhi K.C. in the second semi-final of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11, securing their place in the final. The match, held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, was a rollercoaster of emotions, as Patna fought back from multiple challenges to book their spot in the final.

The game began with high intensity, and Patna’s Devank quickly announced his presence by scoring three successful raids, helping his team take an early lead. Devank’s performance was special as he reached the milestone of 300 career raid points during the match, further solidifying his place as one of the league's top raiders. Alongside him, Ayan’s sharp raiding helped the Pirates maintain their dominance, and Shubham Shinde’s defense also proved crucial. Shinde delivered a High 5 and played a pivotal role in breaking Delhi’s momentum, especially with a key tackle on Ashu Malik that set up an All-Out, giving Patna a commanding lead early on.

Dabang Delhi K.C., however, weren’t to be underestimated. Delhi’s defense, led by Rahul, made some key tackles, including one on Devank that shifted the momentum briefly in Delhi's favor. Naveen Kumar’s Do-or-Die raid kept Delhi in the game, and they mounted a fightback after Patna’s early lead. A Super Raid from Mohit brought Delhi within touching distance of Patna, and with the scoreline at 8-3 in Patna’s favor, the match seemed like it could go either way.

Despite Delhi’s attempts to rally, Patna’s defense remained resolute. Shubham Shinde continued to apply pressure, while Deepak added valuable support, ensuring that Delhi struggled to make significant inroads into Patna's lead. As the first half came to a close, Patna went into the break with a 17-10 lead.

The second half saw both teams focus on defense, with Patna trying to maintain their advantage while Delhi sought to make a comeback. Delhi slowly chipped away at Patna’s lead, thanks to contributions from Sandeep and Yogesh, and they managed to reduce the deficit to just five points. A crucial two-point raid by Mohit and another two-point raid from Ashu Malik brought Delhi to within four points, making it 18-22 and giving the season 8 champions renewed hope. Delhi’s confidence surged, and they closed the gap to 25-25 with just under seven minutes remaining.

In a dramatic turn, Delhi took their first lead of the match after Rahul’s stunning tackle on Devank followed by an All-Out on Patna, putting them ahead 26-25. The crowd at the stadium was electric as it seemed like Delhi could turn the tide in their favor.

However, Patna Pirates showed their resilience in the final moments. Shubham Shinde, with his brilliant defense, completed his High-5, and the Pirates regained a narrow one-point lead. As the match approached its closing seconds, Ayan and Mohit exchanged successful Do-or-Die raids, with Patna holding their nerve to secure the 32-28 win. The crucial raids from Ayan, along with the defensive efforts of Shubham and the tactical play of coach Ram Mehar Singh, saw Patna emerge victorious.

This win marked Patna Pirates’ second consecutive appearance in the PKL final and a chance to add another title to their cabinet. They will now face the winners of the other semi-final, as they look to clinch their third PKL championship. The match against Dabang Delhi showcased Patna’s ability to stay calm under pressure, as they defended resolutely and capitalized on key moments throughout the game. With star players like Devank, Ayan, and Shubham Shinde leading the way, Patna Pirates are poised for another thrilling finale as they chase glory in PKL 11 .