PKL 12: Gujarat Giants Clinch Fourth Win; UP Yoddhas Suffer Fifth Straight Loss

On Thursday, the Gujarat Giants defeated the UP Yoddhas 40-39 in the 74th match of the 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. UP suffered its fifth consecutive defeat, while this was Gujarat's fourth win in 12 matches. With Gujarat's victory, Dabang Delhi became the first of the eight teams to advance to the playoffs.

However, UP started better than in previous matches. Captain Sumit and Guman scored points consistently, but they failed to contain Rakesh. Gujarat held a 6-4 lead after five minutes, but UP soon equalized. A revived Rakesh made it 9-7 with a two-point raid, but UP equalized with two consecutive points.

Gujarat then took another two-point lead, but UP closed the gap to one. After the break, Gujarat scored two consecutive points to close the gap to three. Rakesh, in a four-point defense, scored two points, pushing UP towards an all-out, but Ashu and Jayesh closed the gap to one with a super tackle on Shadlu. Meanwhile, Rakesh completed a Super-10. However, the next time, Rakesh all-outed UP, putting Gujarat ahead 20-16.