Jaipur Pink Panthers registered a convincing 40-31 win against Dabang Delhi at the Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.
The boys from Jaipur were favourites going into the tie, and as the game progressed it became clear why. Delhi's defence has been their weak point and it was evident right from the start of the game.
In the initial four minutes, Jaipur's Jasvir Singh went on the attack and ended up with four points. Delhi tried to hit back as Amit Singh attempted to foray into the Jaipur half but met with some resistance and was ultimately thwarted. Reputed raider Kashiling Adake tried his luck as well but the Panthers defence held fort and saw to it that he did not score.
Jaipur refused to sit back and let Delhi do all the attacking. They came up with attacks of their own, and at half time they had a lead of no less than 10 points.
Captain and raider Jasmer Singh was brought on by Delhi right after the second half began. The home team now needed something quickly as another game was beginning to slip away.
Singh's presence did lift Delhi as he scored during a raid, while Adake also provided him good support. Surjeet Narwal tried to bring Delhi back into the game as well. The trio were putting up a good fight as they reduced the gap in points. The defence, however, kept giving away points.
Jaipur never let up on the attacks, and this strategy paid off handsomely as they won in the end.
Jasvir was awarded the Star Raider prize, while teammate Ran Singh was the Best Defender.
The Panthers are now third in the eight-team tournament after four games. Bengaluru Bulls are in second place but have played five games and are only a point ahead. The Panthers, who look to be in tremendous touch, are slowly but surely taking on the Bulls.
Dabang Delhi, on the other hand, look woefully out of form, with just one win from six games.
Points Table
1] U Mumba 33 points
2] Bengaluru Bulls 16 points
3] Jaipur Pink Panthers 15 points
4] Patna Pirates 11 points
5] Bengal Warriors 10 points
6] Telugu Titans 9 points
7] Puneri Paltan 8 points
8] Dabang Delhi 8 points
