Defending champions U Mumba beat Jaipur Pink Panthers
Defending champions U Mumba became the second team after the Patna Pirates to make it to the semis of the Season 3 Star Sports Pro Kabaddi with a convincing 35-21 win over an injury hit Jaipur Pink Panthers. They had the match in the bag by the end of the first-half with a massive 21-5 lead. Jaipur Pink Panthers who were badly hit by injuries to key players lost Iranian Mohammad Maghsoudlou and Rohit Rana when everything was going in favour of U Mumba.
Rishank Devadiga the all-rounder who is growing in stature led the initial assault with Rakesh Kumar and Anup Kumar too contributing their might. The first all-out was inflicted in the 7th Minute for a 9-1 lead. The lone point came from Rajesh Narwal. The second all-out further strengthened the winner’s position in the 14th minute. The score was 18-1 then and not even the die-hard supporters of the visitors would have given their side any chance. At 21-5 at half-time the situation looked bleak for them.
But it must be said to their credit that the Jaipur Pink Panthers fought on gamely. Substitute Anil Patil came up with some good raids to end the match with 7 points. Rajesh Narwal the all-rounder contributed 5 points.
For U Mumba it was a team performance with everybody contributing. Rishank Devadiga ended with a high ten with nine raid points. Rakesh contributed 5 points with all coming in the first half. Anup Kumar who was the crowd favourite led the team admirably as always plus his contribution of 5 points was significant.
With this win the champions have 45 points in 11 matches and occupy the second place on the table. Jaipur Pink Panthers finished their engagements with 28 points.
You can catch the highlights of the match, presented by hotstar, below: