Jaipur September 22 – In a thrilling encounter that turned into a battle of super tackles and do-or-die raids, Bengaluru Bulls handed Gujarat Giants their fourth consecutive defeat in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The Bulls edged out the Giants 28-24 in the 45th match of the season held at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium on Monday. This victory also marked Bengaluru’s first win over Gujarat since Season 9.
The match featured a total of seven super tackles – four by Bengaluru and three by Gujarat. Akash played a pivotal role, executing a game-changing super raid that saved his team from an all-out and helped maintain their lead. The Bulls used a series of three consecutive super tackles to avoid being all-out and built crucial momentum.
Gujarat fought back in the final five minutes with three super tackles, narrowing the gap to just two points at one stage. However, a defensive error cost them the game.
In the early phase, Gujarat led briefly at 5-3 after Vishwanth V eliminated Satyappa, Sanjay, and Deepak. However, Bulls quickly leveled the scores and stayed close. Post halftime, Prateek removed Satyappa and Yogesh, helping Gujarat push Bulls to the brink of an all-out. But Akash’s super raid once again turned the tide.
From there, Bengaluru steadily increased their lead to 13-12, and then to 15-12 with another super tackle. Yogesh then added two more points with a super tackle on Rakesh, taking the halftime score to 17-13.
In the second half, Bulls continued relying on their defense, especially through super tackles. After a fourth successful super tackle, they led 21-16. Alireza then took out Shadlu in a do-or-die raid, pulling Gujarat into a super tackle situation. By the 30th minute, Bulls led 23-16.
Gujarat’s defense responded with a super tackle on Alireza, cutting the gap to five. Yogesh balanced things again by catching Himanshu, but Shubham responded with Gujarat's second super tackle, reducing the score to 20-24 and completing his High 5.
With five minutes remaining, Bulls held a 5-point lead. Lucky’s third super tackle brought the gap to 3 and also earned him a High 5. Rakesh then eliminated Deepak during a do-or-die raid, once again threatening a Bulls all-out. However, a crucial mistake by Shubham on a do-or-die raid allowed Akash to capitalize.
In the dying moments, Yogesh secured the match by tackling Shridhar during a do-or-die raid, completing his Super 5 and sealing a hard-fought win for Bengaluru.