In the ever-thrilling Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12, there are moments that etch themselves into the memories of fans forever. One such unforgettable moment came when Dabang Delhi K.C. secured a nail-biting 38-37 victory over the defending champions, Haryana Steelers, at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai. The star of the show was none other than Ashu Malik, who not only led his team to victory but also achieved a monumental milestone – his 100th match in PKL.
With the victory, Dabang Delhi extended their impressive form, maintaining their position at the top of the table. Ashu’s Super 10 was crucial, and his performance throughout the match, especially in his landmark game, reaffirmed his place as one of the most consistent and deadly raiders in the league.
Key Highlights:
- Ashu Malik scores a Super 10 in his 100th PKL match.
- Dabang Delhi wins 38-37 in a thrilling contest.
- Haryana Steelers make a dramatic fightback but fall short.
- Ashu Malik continues his rise as one of PKL’s top raiders.
Ashu Malik: A Milestone Achievement
For those following the Pro Kabaddi League, Ashu Malik’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. In his 100th match, he continued his fine form with another stellar performance. Malik scored an impressive 121 raid points in PKL 12 before this game, securing his place as one of the top raiders in the competition. In the 54th match of the season, the 26-year-old raider completed 100 matches and further solidified his legacy in PKL history.
With 851 career raid points, Ashu now sits in 9th place in the all-time PKL raiders list, an incredible achievement for someone still in the prime of his career. His journey from PKL Season 8 to now has been remarkable, as he climbed the ranks season after season.
Season-by-Season Stats:
- PKL 8: 22 Matches | 51 Raid Points | Rank: 36th
- PKL 9: 23 Matches | 141 Raid Points | Rank: 12th
- PKL 10: 23 Matches | 276 Raid Points | Rank: 1st (tied with Arjun Deshwal)
- PKL 11: 23 Matches | 262 Raid Points | Rank: 2nd
This season, Ashu has proven his mettle yet again, with some memorable performances, including his dominant showing in this thrilling match against Haryana.
A Nail-Biting Encounter: Dabang Delhi vs Haryana Steelers
The match between the defending champions and the table-toppers was a gripping spectacle, filled with drama and high stakes. Both teams came out strong, with neither able to establish an early advantage. The opening exchanges were razor-sharp, with both Ashu Malik and Vinay making their presence felt early on. The first 10 minutes saw both teams level at 8-8, as they traded raids and tackles.
Ashu struck a couple of key raids to give Delhi an edge, but Vinay, ever consistent for the Steelers, kept the scoreboard ticking, and the match remained a close contest. As the game unfolded, the tension only increased, with both teams trying to gain an upper hand.
Dabang Delhi’s Clinical Performance and Ashu’s Leadership
As the match moved into the second quarter, Dabang Delhi wrested control from the Steelers. After a strong opening spell, Ashu Malik, supported by Surjeet Singh and Saurabh Nandal in defense, turned the tide with a series of sharp, calculated raids. The Steelers, who had looked calm and composed in the opening minutes, suddenly found themselves under immense pressure, especially as their raiders struggled to find their rhythm.
The breakthrough moment came when Dabang Delhi inflicted the first ALL OUT of the game on Haryana. This pivotal moment gave Delhi a significant cushion, and Ashu’s dominance in raids saw Delhi surge to a 19-13 lead by halftime. Delhi’s defense, spearheaded by Fazel Atrachali’s crucial tackle on Vinay, was also impressive, adding to the team’s already commanding position.
Ashu Malik’s Super Raid and A Historic Milestone
The third quarter was all about Ashu Malik. When the Steelers tried to fight back, it was Ashu who crushed their hopes with a stunning Super Raid that wiped out the entire Haryana team and inflicted a second ALL OUT. This moment not only restored Delhi’s double-digit cushion but also brought up his Super 10 in his 100th match.
Ashu’s leadership was on full display, and his performance in that third quarter underlined his ability to rise to the occasion. With Delhi leading 30-19, it seemed like the match was firmly in their grasp, thanks to Ashu’s brilliance. The match had its fair share of twists, but Delhi were comfortably ahead for the most part, thanks to their star raider’s consistent performance.
A Dramatic Fightback by Haryana Steelers
But just when it seemed like Dabang Delhi had the game in the bag, Haryana Steelers mounted a dramatic comeback in the final 10 minutes. With the deficit shrinking, the momentum shifted in favor of the Steelers. Vinay’s consistency in attack and Ashish Narwal’s energy off the bench played a crucial role in this resurgence. A decisive ALL OUT allowed the Steelers to claw their way back into the contest, cutting the lead to just two points with less than 90 seconds left on the clock.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as the Steelers pushed Dabang Delhi to the edge. Vinay pulled off a multi-point raid to bring the Steelers level at 37-37, adding even more drama to an already intense game.
The Final Push: Dabang Delhi Seals the Victory
Despite the pressure, Dabang Delhi responded immediately. Neeraj Narwal delivered a crucial raid to restore Delhi’s lead by a single point. The final moments were fraught with tension, with Ashish Narwal contributing five important points during this phase, including a crucial point in the final raid of the match.
In the end, Dabang Delhi held on to secure a 38-37 victory, surviving a heart-stopping fightback from the Steelers. The match was a perfect example of resilience, strategy, and individual brilliance, with Ashu Malik leading from the front in his landmark 100th appearance.
A Match to Remember
This thrilling encounter between Dabang Delhi and Haryana Steelers will be remembered for Ashu Malik’s milestone 100th match and his exceptional contribution to his team’s victory. His Super 10, leadership, and crucial raids were the difference-makers in a game that saw both teams push each other to the limit.
For Dabang Delhi, the win strengthens their position at the top of the PKL 12 table, and with Ashu leading the charge, they look formidable as they continue their title pursuit. For Haryana Steelers, despite a valiant effort, the late comeback fell just short, and they will need to regroup quickly for their upcoming matches.
Ashu Malik’s journey in the Pro Kabaddi League is a testament to his hard work, determination, and ability to perform on the biggest stages. With 100 matches now behind him, the question on everyone’s mind is: How many more milestones will this superstar reach in the seasons to come?
