Visakhapatnam, Dec 8 (IANS) Telugu Titans registered their first win in their home turf as they defeated Jaipur Pink Panthers 36-26 in an inter-zonal challenge match of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) at the Rajiv Gandhi indoor stadium here on Saturday.
Titans witnessed an all-round performance as both their defenders and raider s contributed in the victory.
Nilesh Salunke (8 points), Rahul Chaudhari (8 points) were the leading raiders whereas Abozar Mighani and Anil Kumar led the defensive charge.
For Jaipur Pink Panthers, it was a disappointing night as their defence struggled to contain Titans’ raiders. Deepak Niwas Hooda was the lone ranger for Jaipur as he scored 10 points.
Nilesh made a brilliant super raid in the 4th minute to give Telugu Titans 5 -4 lead. Deepak responded with a two-point raid in the next minute to give Jaipur 6-5 lead.
The raiders from both teams picked up points in the next few minutes as it w as all square at 8-8 after 10 minutes.
Rahul got a two-point raid in the next minute to give Titans 10-8 lead. Jaipur forced a super tackle in the 12th minute to take back the lead. The match was swinging like a pendulum in both teams’ favour.
In the 17th minute, the first all out of the match was inflicted by Titans as they led 16-13. Titans went into the break leading 17-13.
Titans were in command of the match as after 25 minutes they enjoyed a seven-point lead. Ajinkya Pawar tried to revive the Pink Panthers’ hopes with a couple of quick raids but Titans were in no mood to relinquish their lead.
With less than five minutes to Titans inflicted an all out to lead 31-20 and were assured of the first win of their home leg.
It was a comfortable win in the end for Titans as they got the first home win.
–IANS
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