Splendid display by skipper Rakesh Kumar enabled Patna Pirates edge past hosts and defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers 29-23 in a keenly fought match of Pro Kabaddi season-2 at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here today.
The hosts, who were looking for turn of fortunes by taking home advantage, succumbed to their third successive defeat despite leading 11-10 at half time. Once again the Pink Panthers led by local lad Navneet Gautam made some tactical errors at crucial junctures.
While their opponents relied heavily on Kumar, who not only excels in raids but was also instrumental in defense of the team. The second victory of the Patna team has propelled them to fifth position with seven points from three matches.
The first half and most of the second half was a keenly fought affair but Jaipur could not hold its nerve in pressure situations and made some unforced and tactical errors to let the opponents sail past them with three points. The visitors sealed the issue with a comfortable 29-23 margin while the hosts sank to the bottom of the table with their third consecutive defeat.
Kumar was the top scorer for the winners with eight points while Sandeep Narwal too helped his captain with seven points. Sunil Kumar with two and Suresh Kumar and Aman Kumar with one each also chipped in.
For the hosts Jasbir Singh and Rajesh Narwal with eight and seven points respectively were the top scorers. Kuldeep Singh too showed some class with five points while Prashant Chavan and Sonu Narwal scored two and one points respectively.
