Gujarat Fortune Giants avenged Pro Kabaddi Season 6’s final defeat as they thumped Bengaluru Bulls 42-24 at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, in the first game of the day.
Bengaluru Bulls named one change in their starting 7 as Vinay Kumar made way for Saurabh.
Just like last year's FINAL, #Bullsquad is fully charged to take down the Giants! Here's our Starting Seven for tonight's match.#FullChargeMaadi #BLRvGUJ #Champions #VivoPKL7 #BengaluruBulls #Kabaddi #VivoProKabaddiLeague #Season7 #KhelKabaddi #LePanga #IsseToughKuchNahi pic.twitter.com/36o1XBRzaO
— Bengaluru Bulls (@BengaluruBulls) July 21, 2019
Gujarat Fortune Giants on the other hand, went with a defensive-heavy side including all of Bhainswal, captain Sunil Kumar and Sumit Malik.
GIANTS, assemble! 🔥#GarjegaGujarat #IssBaarChhodnaNahi #VivoProKabaddi #LePanga #IsseToughKuchNahi pic.twitter.com/8mtfBG28kD
— Gujarat Giants (@GujaratGiants) July 21, 2019
The game began slowly as the defenders on both sides made life tough for the raiders, not giving anything away. With 8 minutes on the clock, nothing separated the two sides as the score was tied at 4-4.
This is when the tide started to turn in the favour of the Gujarat Fortune Giants, when Pawan Sehrawat was tackled in a do-or-die raid. The lead for Gujarat pushed up to 4 points, and gradually 5, 6 and 7 as Gujarat Fortune Giants found themselves leading 16-9 with just two minutes of the half left on the clock.
The Gujarat Fortune Giants defence came into their own and put-in successful tackles, one after the other. Even Sachin Tanwar came up with a perfect ankle-hold. Rohit Gulia gave Sachin a wonderful support as he bagged 3 points in a matter of less than a couple of minutes. Gujarat ended the half with an 11 points lead, 21-10.
At the turn of the clock, Rohit Gulia contributed in his own half of the mat, coming up with a superb ankle hold to extend the Fortune Giants’ lead, which stretched to 12, with just four minutes of the second half gone by.
Bengaluru Bulls, known for their comeback, were hoping for a turnaround and when Pawan Sehrawat registered a super raid to cut the gap to 7 points, there was some hope.
It was Sonu Gahlawat’s turn not to raid and the youngster came up with a super raid to hand back his side, a 12-point lead.
Gujarat Fortune Giants defence was ready for whatever was thrown at them and they didn’t allow even the slightest of chances to Bengaluru Bulls to stage a comeback. The match ended 42-24 in the favour of Gujarat Fortune Giants, who outclassed their arch rivals to begin the Pro Kabaddi Season 7 campaign on a high.
Top Performers:
Bengaluru Bulls –
Best Raider – Pawan Sehrawat (8 Raid Points)
Best Defender – Mahender Singh (4 Tackle Points)
Patna Pirates –
Best Raider – Sachin Tanwar (6 Raid Points)
Best Defender – Sunil Kumar (6 Tackle Points)
