Pro Kabaddi League 11: Haryana Steelers edges past UP Yoddhas to reach consecutive PKL final

Pro Kabaddi League 11: Haryana Steelers edges past UP Yoddhas to reach consecutive PKL final

Haryana Steelers edged past UP Yoddhas 28-25 in Pro Kabaddi League season 11’s first semifinal here at the Sree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, on Friday, booking its place in the second consecutive final.

Steelers’ raiding duo of Vinay and Shivam Patare scored six and seven points, respectively, but the night belonged to its defence, which was led by Rahul Sethpal’s five tackle points. 

After the first 10 minutes, the evenly matched contest had a close scoreline of 6-5 in favour of Yoddhas.

The second phase witnessed the Steelers intensify its efforts, though the Yoddhas remained competitive, thanks to a multi-point raid by Bhavani Rajput. At halftime, the Steelers held a narrow one-point advantage, while its captain, Jaideep Dahiya, received a green-card warning.

The table-topper maintained its intensity in the second half, inflicting an all-out on Yoddhas shortly after the break.

However, Yoddhas staged a comeback, driven by Gagan Gowda’s successful raids and improved defensive play. With 10 minutes remaining, it trailed by only three points.

The final phase of the match saw a tense battle. Gagan continued to impress with several successful raids, bringing the Jasveer Singh-coached side within a single point of its opponents in the 19th minute.

With less than 20 seconds remaining and reduced to just three players, the Steelers executed a crucial Super Tackle, taking a decisive 28-25 lead and sealing its victory.

Gagan was Yoddhas standout performer with a Super 10 to his name but failed in his final raid in a desperate attempt to give his team the win. 

In the grand finale, the Steelers will face the winner of semifinal two between Dabang Delhi and Patna Pirates on Sunday, December 29.