Bengaluru, 6 January: Patna Pirates and Tamil Thalaivas shared points after they played out a 30-30 draw in the Vivo Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 at The Sheraton Grand, Whitefield Bengaluru on Thursday.
Monu Goyat scored 9 for the Pirates while Ajinkya Pawar came off the bench to score 12 points for Thaliavas. Both teams went into the match on unbeaten streaks and matched each other in an intensely-contested Kabaddi match.
It was raining tackle points the entire half with Pirates’ all-rounders also chipping in with tackles and assists. Monu Goyat was the stand-out star for the three-time champions Pirates, picking up difficult points against a well-drilled Tamil Thalaivas defence.
Pirates’ players, capable of defending and attacking, made it difficult for Thalaivas to target any weaknesses. The Patna Pirates clinched their first ALL OUT in the last minute of the first half which finished 18-12 in favour of the men in green.
Ajinkya Pawar’s introduction provided much need sharpness to the Tamil raiding unit. His 2-point raid early in the second half set the tone for the Thalaivas who went on to get an ALL OUT in the 8th minute. Ajinkya Pawar also clinched his Super 10 as Thalaivas opened a 2-point with 10 minutes remaining.
Pirates stayed in the game, with two crucial reviews ensuring they stayed within touching distance from the Tamil Thalaivas. Iranian Mohammadreza Shadloui ensured they stayed focused with body blocks and dashes. The scores were 30-30 with one minute left in the match and the teams decided to safeguard the three points (for a tie) rather than go for the win.
