The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12 continues to stir controversy, with the latest incident between defending champions Haryana Steelers and table-toppers Dabang Delhi adding more fuel to the fire. In a thrilling match that ended with a narrow 38-37 victory for Dabang Delhi, emotions ran high, and what should have been a gesture of sportsmanship ended in an unexpected and heated moment – a refusal to shake hands. This clash at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Monday not only highlighted the fierce competition between the two teams but also left fans and pundits buzzing about the post-match drama.
Match Recap: Dabang Delhi vs Haryana Steelers
In what was a pulsating encounter, Dabang Delhi and Haryana Steelers went toe-to-toe in a match that could have gone either way. The intensity was palpable from the get-go, as both teams fought tooth and nail, exchanging lead multiple times. The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that this was going to be one of those high-octane encounters where every point mattered.
The first 10 minutes of the match were a reflection of the high stakes. With both sides matching each other raid for raid, the tension mounted as neither team managed to gain a substantial advantage. Ashu Malik and Vinay, two of the most in-form players this season, were the stars early on. Ashu’s raids were sharp and precise, while Vinay’s quick thinking and attacking flair kept Haryana Steelers firmly in the contest.
At the 10-minute mark, the scoreboard read 8-8, and it was anybody’s game. Both teams had their moments of brilliance, with Dabang Delhi’s defensive tactics and Haryana’s raiders showing their skills. It was a highly competitive phase, but neither team seemed to get an upper hand in the opening quarter.
Dabang Delhi Takes Control
As the match progressed into the second quarter, Dabang Delhi found their rhythm. They began to dominate with a more clinical approach, and Ashu Malik was at the center of it all. His raids were relentless, and Haryana Steelers, who had been steady up until then, suddenly found themselves under immense pressure.
The turning point came when Dabang Delhi inflicted the first ALL OUT of the game on Haryana. This pivotal moment allowed Delhi to open up a substantial lead and take control of the match. By halftime, the defending champions had fallen behind, with Delhi leading 19-13.
Ashu Malik’s Super 10 and Delhi’s Dominance
In the third quarter, Delhi began to take full advantage of their superior position. Ashu Malik’s brilliance continued as he produced a sensational Super Raid, wiping out the Steelers’ defense and inflicting a second ALL OUT. This raid not only boosted Delhi’s score but also secured Ashu’s Super 10 in his milestone 100th PKL appearance, cementing his place as one of the season’s standout performers.
By the end of the third quarter, Delhi had established a commanding 30-19 lead. The match appeared to be slipping away from Haryana’s grasp, and the Steelers’ defensive lines were under siege. But the resilient Haryana Steelers were not ready to concede just yet.
Haryana Steelers’ Late Fightback
The final quarter of the match saw a dramatic turnaround. Haryana Steelers, led by the tireless Vinay and the fiery Jaideep, mounted a fierce comeback. The Steelers’ defense began to tighten up, with Jaideep’s powerful tackles and Ashish Narwal’s energetic raids inspiring a renewed vigor in the team.
A crucial ALL OUT brought the Steelers back into the game, and suddenly, the deficit was reduced to just two points with only 90 seconds left on the clock. The match had become a nerve-wracking battle of nerves and skill. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as fans and players alike could feel the tension mounting.
Vinay, who had been outstanding throughout the match, delivered a multi-point raid that leveled the scores at 37-37, creating a dramatic climax. But just when it seemed like Haryana might snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, Dabang Delhi struck back. Neeraj Narwal, who had been solid throughout, made a crucial raid to restore Delhi’s lead in the final moments.
Ashish Narwal, who had come off the bench and made an immediate impact, added a final blow with five crucial points, including one in the dying seconds of the match. As the clock ticked down to zero, the match ended with Dabang Delhi securing a hard-fought 38-37 win, much to the relief of their fans.
The Post-Match Drama: No Handshakes
As the players shook hands at the end of the game, there was an unexpected twist: Haryana Steelers refused to shake hands with their opponents. The refusal was in response to a controversial decision made by the referee during the match. While handshakes are typically a symbol of respect and sportsmanship, the tension from the on-court decisions, particularly those related to the ALL OUTs and some contentious tackles, left the Steelers visibly frustrated.
For many, this was the first time in PKL history that such a gesture had occurred. The absence of handshakes was a reflection of the high emotions involved in the match, and it added an extra layer of drama to what was already an intense encounter.
A Thrilling Encounter, But Controversy Lingers
The game between Dabang Delhi and Haryana Steelers was a classic example of how closely contested the PKL 12 season has been. Both teams gave their all, with Delhi edging out Haryana in the final moments. Ashu Malik’s Super 10, a sensational Super Raid, and the overall all-round performance from Dabang Delhi made them deserving winners on the night. However, the post-match drama and the refusal to shake hands left a bitter taste in the mouth.
This incident adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of controversies in PKL 12. As the season progresses, it’s clear that this league isn’t just about the games on the mat, but also the emotions, rivalries, and moments that will continue to spark debate and discussion long after the final whistle.
As for Dabang Delhi, they continue to maintain their top position in the standings, while Haryana Steelers will need to reflect on their performance and regroup for their upcoming fixtures. But one thing is certain – the intensity and drama of PKL 12 are far from over.
