The Haryana Steelers secured their place in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 Final after a hard-fought 28-25 victory over the UP Yoddhas in an intense Semi-Final 1 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Friday. This thrilling contest saw both teams battle it out in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, with Haryana eventually edging out the Yoddhas to reach their second consecutive PKL final.
The match started with high intensity, with both teams eager to gain an early advantage. The opening exchanges were tightly contested, as the UP Yoddhas initially edged ahead with a three-point lead. Gagan Gowda and Sumit played key roles in the Yoddhas’ early dominance, while the Haryana Steelers responded with strong performances from Mohammadreza Shadloui and Vinay. As the match progressed, both teams exchanged raids and tackles in a high-octane first half, with neither side managing to build a significant lead.
Vinay played a crucial role in keeping the scoreboard ticking for Haryana, while Bhavani Rajput led the charge for the Yoddhas, ensuring they stayed within striking distance. Despite solid defensive efforts from both sides, the Haryana Steelers went into halftime with a slim 12-11 lead, setting up a thrilling second half.
The second half saw Haryana shift gears, putting the Yoddhas under significant pressure. An early All-Out by the Steelers was a game-changer, extending their lead and forcing the Yoddhas into a desperate comeback attempt. Shivam Patare and Vinay continued to trouble the Yoddhas’ defense, while Mohammadreza Shadloui added valuable points, further widening Haryana’s advantage. By the 30-minute mark, Haryana had established a three-point lead, putting them in a strong position to close out the game.
Despite a valiant effort from Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput, who each fought to turn the tide in the Yoddhas’ favor, Haryana's defense remained resolute. The Steelers successfully thwarted any attempts at a late rally, as Gowda’s Super 10 and Rajput’s attacking efforts fell short. As the clock wound down, the Yoddhas were forced to push harder, but Haryana held firm, maintaining their lead until the final whistle.
With this victory, the Haryana Steelers have secured their spot in the PKL Season 11 Final for the second consecutive year, and they will now look to capture their first-ever title. The team’s defense was a key factor in their win, as they held the Yoddhas at bay throughout the match, especially in the second half when the game was still in the balance. Haryana’s attacking prowess, led by the likes of Shivam Patare and Vinay, also played a vital role in ensuring they stayed on top.
The win is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Haryana Steelers, who showed composure and tactical discipline to hold off a determined UP Yoddhas side. With both teams playing at their best, the Steelers’ ability to control key moments, especially after the All-Out, made the difference in securing the win.
Looking ahead, Haryana will face the winners of the second semi-final as they aim to secure their first-ever PKL title. Their performance in this semi-final, marked by a solid defense and clinical attacks, will give them confidence as they prepare for the final. With key players like Shivam Patare, Vinay, and Mohammadreza Shadloui leading the charge, the Haryana Steelers are well-positioned to take the title and end the season on a high note.