Both Dabang Delhi and Jaipur Pink Panthers have recorded wins in their previous games of the Pro Kabaddi League 2015, and that confidence is expected to lead them forward in their match today at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, Delhi.
The Delhi side registered a massive win over Patna Pirates yesterday, as the hosts won 45-26. Kashiling Adake and Rohit Chaudhary remained the star raiders for Dabang Delhi once more, as the duo decimated the Patna defence.
Kashiling was at his usual best right from the start as he notched as much as 3 points from his very first raid of the match – which was also a super raid.
A 13-5 lead came for the hosts in just the ninth minute of the game as Dabang Delhi inflicted their first all-out of the match. Moments later, Kashiling picked up another 4 points, this time via his second super raid of the match. The two super raids happened all inside the first 13 minutes of the game, and there was no way back for Patna from there.
The lead for the hosts increased to 22-7, and thereon both teams went into the break with a 26-11 scoreline.
In the second half, it was Chaudhary's turn to get a super raid – the third in the match. Although Deepak Narwal of the Pirates tried to do his best, it was futile in the end, as Delhi rode to a whopping 19-point margin victory.
The win keeps Dabang Delhi's playoff hopes alive, and they are currently in the fifth position with 23 points. A win today against the Jaipur Pink Panthers can take them to the fourth position, above the Pirates, but getting past the Jaipur side won't look easy now.
The Pink Panthers are coming into the game on the back of a 35-25 win over leaders U Mumba in Hyderabad.
The performance of raider Sonu Narwal and defensive duo Kuldeep Singh and Prashant Chavan was instrumental on the day, and they are expected to carry forward that confidence as they start off their Delhi leg of Pro Kabaddi 2015.
"We still believe in our chances for the playoffs and we were brilliant [against U Mumba]. More of these performances are required. This will give us the momentum leading up to the business end of the tournament," Jasvir Singh, skipper of the Jaipur Pink Panthers skipper, stated after the win over U Mumba.
Meanwhile, Indian football talisman Sunil Chhetri was present in the national capital during the hosts' game against the Pirates yesterday. Being the efficient speaker that he is, 'Captain Marvel' had these words of inspiration for the teams participating in the lucrative kabaddi league.
"It is more important to contribute your 100% and give your best than a win. Knowing that you have done all you could to be the best team that you could be is the best feeling in the world. Winning the game adds to that feeling," Chhetri said.
The match between Dabang Delhi and Jaipur Pink Panthers gets underway at 8 pm IST (3:30pm BST).
Previous meeting - 29 July, 2015: Jaipur Pink Panthers 27 - 35 Dabang Delhi
Where to Watch Live:
Pro Kabaddi League: Dabang Delhi vs Jaipur Pink Panthers, can be caught LIVE on Star Sports.
Hindi Coverage - Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD 3, Star Gold
English Coverage - Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD 2
Telugu Coverage - Maa Movies
Kannada Coverage - Suvarna Plus
Marathi Coverage - Star Pravah (Sunday Matches only)
UK viewers can catch the action on Life OK
Live streaming will be available on Hotstar and Starsports online
