Host Pink Panthers fritted away a healthy lead to end up to a dismal 31-31 draw against a spirited U Mumbai in a crucial Pro Kabaddi League match here today.
It was a poetic justice for both the teams grappling for the top position in the table. But the Pink Panthers were able to hold on the top position with a kitty of 43 points while Mumbai were placed behind them with 41 points.
The hosts had begun well with opening up a 16-8 league in the first half and were leading 17-15 at the breather but Mumbai had shown the signs that it won't be giving up easily.
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The second half began with an Anup Kumar classic, a brilliant one-point raid. Again Pawan's agility failed against the Jaipur defence as they lead by 5 points in the 24th minute.
A strong, unprecedented tackle by Mohit Chillar saw Maninder Singh out of action, but only for a moment as he was revived in the very next challenge.
Then came an exciting lightning fast raid by Rajesh Narwal which was a highlight of the match as Anup Kumar had to take a leave.
Jaipur re-instated their dominance as Rajesh Narwal ousted Mohit Chilliar leaving Pawan to fight alone. An encore of sorts, Pawan found himself fighting alone yet again as Suresh Annadorai was taken down.
But U Mumbai did not give up easy. Anup Kumar dethroned Rajesh Narwal with a brilliant catch, reviving his army to four players.
Fighting tooth and nail, both the teams ended as the top two on the league table, Jaipur at top spot with 43 points, followed very closely by Mumbai at 41 points.