AHMEDABAD: Two new teams Haryana Steelers and Tamil Thalaivas played like brave-hearts in a kabaddi match that ended in a 25-all draw, while Gujarat Fortunegiants thrashed Telugu Titans 29-19, in Pro Kabaddi League Season 5 matches at The Arena Stadium here on Wednesday.
The first match of the day turned out to be see-saw contest as both the teams enjoyed upward swing turn by turn until substitute player Dong Geon Lee of Tamil Thalaivas stole bonus point in the 38th minute to level the score.
In the last minute, raiders Vikas Kandola of Haryana and from Tamil Thalaivas, Amit Hooda, avoided taking any risk and settled themselves with an ‘empty raid’ to earn three points for their respective teams.
Trailing by three points at half time Tamil Thalaivas rallied back strongly into the game even without star raider Ajay Thakur who did not took the mat after half time.
In his absence K Prapanjan and Amit Hooda came out well and scored seven and six points respectively.
In the second match, raiders Sukesh Hegde and Sachin, and defenders Abozar Mighani and Fazel Atrachali, ensured Gujarat secure 10-point victory to register their fifth home win and sixth overall.
As the tables stand, Gujarat is way ahead with 33 points followed by Puneri Paltan on 16 in Zone A. In Zone B, Bengaluru leads the table with 21 points followed by Patna (18) and UP (18).
RESULTS:
Match 1:
Haryana Steelers 25 (Surender Nada 7, Surjeet Singh 4, Vikas Kandola 3) drew against Tamil Thalaivas 25 (K Prapanjan 7, Amit Hooda 6)
Best Defender: Surender Nada (Haryana Steelers)
Best Raider: K Prapanjan (Thalaivas)
Match 2:
Gujarat Fortunegiants 29 (Sachin 11, Sukesh Hegde 7, Abozar Mighani 4, Fazel Atrachali 3 ) beat Telugu Titans 19 (Rahul Chaudhari 3, Vikas 3)
Best Defender: Abozar Mighani (Gujarat Fortunegiants)
Best Raider: Sachin (Gujarat Fortunegiants)