When Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club walked onto the mat at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex on Friday night, the energy was electric. The team landed a 36‑28 victory over U Mumba in Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 Match 2, extending their head‑to‑head dominance to six straight wins. The match, kicked off at 7:30 PM IST on 18 October 2024, not only added another win column for Delhi but also raised the stakes for the Hyderabad leg of the league.
Match Recap and Key Moments
The opening raid set the tone: Ashu Malik, the 26‑year‑old captain, exploded with a "Super 10"—exactly eleven raid points that kept the scoreboard ticking in Delhi’s favour. His raiding style was crisp, combining quick footwork with a powerful thigh‑lift that left U Mumba’s defenders scrambling.
U Mumba tried to answer back. Iranian raider Amirmohammad Zafardanesh managed eight raid points, while veteran defender Ajit Chavan contributed four crucial tackle points. Still, a controversial call in the third quarter—when a U Mumba raider was ruled out despite a near‑miss—sparked a heated exchange among the commentators.
"If the official says you are out, you are out – no review," the commentator snarled, underscoring the league’s strict no‑challenge policy. That moment swung momentum firmly toward Delhi, who added two more super‑two raids before the final whistle.
Player Performances
Beyond Malik’s brilliance, the match showcased a handful of rising stars. Delhi’s kabaddi bench supplied five raid points collectively, proving depth will be vital as the season progresses. For U Mumba, Zafardanesh’s agility reminded fans why the league imports talent from Iran; his rapid touches and evasive dashes kept the defense honest.
Coach Joginder Narwal praised his squad in the post‑match interview: "We executed our game plan, stuck to the line, and trusted the younger guys to step up when needed." Across the aisle, U Mumba’s coach Anil Chaprana admitted the team missed several “clicks” and promised tighter discipline on the defensive line.
Tactical Analysis and the Controversy
What really set Delhi apart was their disciplined raid‑line discipline. The commentators noted several moments where U Mumba raiders slipped just short of the required white line, resulting in lost points. "I just don’t understand... they should have been standing ahead of that line," the analyst muttered, highlighting a basic yet costly error.
The disputed out‑call also shone a light on the league’s technology gap. Unlike cricket’s DRS, PKL still relies on on‑court officials. Some fans called for instant‑replay assistance, arguing that a single missed touch could alter playoff chances for a team.
Season Context and Stakes
Season 11 features twelve franchises battling through 118 league matches before the top six advance to the playoffs. Defending champions Haryana Steelers captured the trophy last December by edging Puneri Paltan 28‑25. Their path, however, remains uncertain as Delhi, Pune Paltan, and Bengaluru Bulls each notch early wins.
The Hyderabad leg runs through 20 October, packing four matches daily at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM IST. After that, the tour moves to Bengaluru on 22 October, before the final showdown at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New Delhi on 29 December 2024.
Commercially, the league is a juggernaut. According to a 2023 valuation by Kroll India, each franchise is worth between ₹100 crore and ₹300 crore, and total annual revenue topped ₹500 crore last season. The broadcasting partnership with Star Sports Network and streaming on Disney+ Hotstar ensures a massive audience across regional languages.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Delhi’s next clash is against the Hyderabad Titans, a match that could test whether their raid‑heavy style can hold up against a defensively solid side. If Malik maintains his Super 10 form, Dabang Delhi could be a serious contender for a top‑four finish.
Meanwhile, U Mumba must tighten its line‑up and possibly rethink its raiding strategy. As analyst Rajesh Singh put it, "Consistency in the tackle circle will be key; otherwise, they’ll keep giving away easy points."
Fans can follow live updates on prokabaddi.com or the official mobile app, where detailed player analytics are updated after each raid.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Dabang Delhi 36 – 28 U Mumba
- Top Scorer: Ashu Malik – 11 raid points
- Venue: GMC Balayogi Sports Complex, Hyderabad
- Match Date: 18 Oct 2024, 7:30 PM IST
- Season: Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 (12 teams, 118 matches)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Dabang Delhi’s playoff chances?
The victory lifts Delhi to third place on the league table, putting them within striking distance of the top‑four spots that guarantee home‑advantage throughout the playoffs. A win against Hyderabad Titans next week could cement a playoff berth.
What caused the controversial out‑call against U Mumba?
U Mumba’s raider was deemed out after the official judged his foot to have crossed the boundary line. PKL currently does not employ video‑review technology, so the decision was final, sparking calls for a replay system.
Who are the key players to watch for the rest of the Hyderabad leg?
Besides Ashu Malik, keep an eye on Delhi’s defender Saurabh Kumar and U Mumba’s raider Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, whose speed could turn matches in a single raid.
When and where is the PKL 2024 final scheduled?
The championship final is set for 29 December 2024 at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New Delhi, with the top six teams from the league stage battling for the title.
How is the league being broadcast this season?
Star Sports Network holds the television rights, airing matches in multiple regional languages. Streaming is exclusive to Disney+ Hotstar, which also offers live stats and player analytics.
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