UP Yoddhas vs Haryana Steelers: Who will win today's PKL Match No. 26?
Last season's runners-up Haryana Steelers will take on UP Yoddhas in the 26th match of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 11 league stage today (October 30). The match will be played at the GMCB Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
The two teams made contrasting starts to their respective campaigns. Steelers lost their first game in what was a rematch of last season's final, with the Haryana-based franchise going down 25-35 to Puneri Paltan. On the other hand, UP Yoddhas started off with a 28-23 win against Dabang Delhi K.C. that helped them register five points.
Haryana Steelers have been in a different form since losing their first game. They beat two-time champions, Jaipur Pink Panthers by 37-25 and then Season 8 champions Dabang Delhi K.C. by 41-34 in their next two. This means they have two wins in three games, and sit in eighth in the points table with a +9 points difference and 10 points. With Mohammadreza Shadloui in fine fettle with 16 points in three games, the Haryana Steelers could make it three wins in three games for them and continue their ascendancy to the top.
UP Yoddhas have been the most in-form team this season after a disappointing finish last time around. They have played four games in total with wins over Bengaluru Bulls by 57-36 and over Gujarat Giants by 35-29. Their only loss this season has come against Bengal Warriorz where they narrowly lost the match 29-32. Bharat Hooda has the most successful raids for any raider in this tournament so far and will be expected to leave a mark on this contest.
PKL 2024, UP Yoddhas vs Haryana Steelers Prediction: Can the Yoddhas beat the Steelers?
Head to head, both sides share the spoils as they have won four matches and lost four of them. They also have two ties to their name and both teams will want to break the deadlock and go one up over the other.
Prediction: UP Yoddhas to win match 26 of PKL Season 11