PKL 2024 Result: Jaipur Pink Panthers Seal Playoff Berth After Comeback Win Against Bengal Warriorz

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PKL 2024 Result: Jaipur Pink Panthers sealed their Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 Playoff berth following a 31-28 comeback win over the Bengal Warriorz in match 124 at the Badminton Hall in the Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune on Friday (December 20).

Two-time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers, who overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half, moved to 69 points and fifth on the PKL Season 11 points table, became the fifth team to progress to the Playoffs.

For Jaipur Pink Panthers, Arjun Deshwal got 9 points while Abhijeet Malik added 7 and Reza Mirbagheri registered a High-5. The win for the Jaipur Pink Panthers also meant that the defending champions Puneri Paltan were out of the race for a playoff berth even before their match against Telugu Titans.

The Bengal Warriorz came out of the blocks quite quicker than their opponents, as they moved into a slender lead within the first few minutes. The Jaipur Pink Panthers, who had qualification for the PKL Playoffs in their mind, though stayed within touching distance, and were being cautious in their approach.

For the Bengal Warriorz, it was Arjun Rathi who was leading the way in attack whilst the defenders were holding fort as well. As the half wore on, the Bengal Warriorz were building on their lead and had moved into a 6-point lead within the first 9 minutes. But in the next couple of minutes, Abhijeet Malik helped bring the deficit down to a 2-point one.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers' defence weren't able to contain Pranay Rane and Arjun Rathi. But the Bengal Warriorz's defence were having a good day, and they inflicted an ALL OUT, and stretched the lead to a 7-point one. Arjun Rathi continued the good work and at the break, the Bengal Warriorz led 19-9.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers began the second half with a couple of Super Tackles but it was the Bengal Warriorz, who were still in the box seat. By the 26th minute, Arjun Deshwal had helped cut the deficit down to 6 points, and the Jaipur Pink Panthers were clawing their way back into the game.

The Season 9 champions' defenders, Reza Mirbagheri and Ankush Rathee, had suddenly flicked a switch, whilst Arjun Deshwal was doing what he does best. At the half hour mark, the Bengal Warriorz led by 3 points, and the momentum was starting to go the other way.

With just less than 8 minutes to go, the Pink Panthers inflicted an ALL OUT on their opponents, and got their noses out in front. Both teams were now throwing the kitchen sink at each other in the final phase of play. Pranay Rane's two-point raid brought Warriorz back to level terms with their opponent, and it was 27 points for both sides, with 3 minutes to go.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers though roared back, and raced into a three-point lead courtesy some fantastic defending. Eventually, the Jaipur Pink Panthers held their nerve in the final minutes, and came away with a close but huge win.

Source: Media Release