Patna Pirates Beat UP Yoddhas 34-31, Clinch Playoff Spot in PKL 10
On Friday night, January 19, 2024, the Patna Pirates edged out the UP Yoddhas 34‑31 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, securing a coveted spot in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10Hyderabad eliminators. The win came thanks to a gritty defensive display, highlighted by Sachin Tanwar's six raid points and a league‑best 19 tackle points from the Pirates’ back‑line.
Match Recap and Key Performances
From the first whistle, the tempo was blistering. UP Yoddhas leaned on their talisman, Pardeep Narwal, who rattled off 15 points – eight touches and seven bonuses – across 23 raids. Yet every time the Yoddhas tried to pull ahead, Patna’s defense snarled back. Manjeet, wearing jersey number 10, contributed four points (two bonuses) while Sandeep Kumar added three touch points and a bonus. The most eye‑catching moment arrived in the third quarter when Ankit Jaglan executed a super tackle, earning five tackle points and swinging the momentum.
For the Yoddhas, beyond Narwal’s heroics, Sandeep Narwal chipped in five points, but the side’s defensive tally – a meagre eight tackle points – simply wasn’t enough. The Pirates, in contrast, amassed 19 tackle points, a figure that proved decisive in a match where the Yoddhas actually out‑raided them 23 to 15.
Statistical Breakdown
- Final Score: Patna Pirates 34, UP Yoddhas 31
- Raid Points: Pirates 15, Yoddhas 23
- Tackle Points: Pirates 19, Yoddhas 8
- Bonus Points: Pirates 3, Yoddhas 8
- Super Tackles: Pirates 1, Yoddhas 0
The win predictor displayed on the JioCinema stream gave Patna an 80 % chance of victory, a figure that held true despite the early raid dominance of the Yoddhas. The Pirates’ 19 tackle points weren’t just numbers; they reflected a disciplined back‑line that held the line when the raiders were pressing.
Implications for the Playoff Race
With the win, Patna Pirates vaulted to sixth place on the ladder, sitting on 69 points after 22 games (11 wins, 8 losses, 3 ties). The six‑point cushion over the seventh‑placed Bengal Warriors means the Pirates have secured a berth in the eliminator round, keeping their championship hopes alive. Coach Rakesh Kumar was quick to point out that the team’s defensive cohesion will be the cornerstone of any deeper playoff run.
For UP Yoddhas, the loss cemented an 11th‑place finish with just 31 points. Their solitary tie and four wins from 22 matches render any playoff dream impossible this season. Captain Kunal Mehta lamented the missed opportunities but vowed the squad would regroup for the next season.
Season Overview and the Road to the Title
The 2023‑24 PKL season saw twelve franchises battle through a round‑robin format before the top six entered the knockout stage. Puneri Paltan emerged as champions, finishing with 96 points (17 wins, 2 losses, 3 ties). Runners‑up Jaipur Pink Panthers collected 92 points, while Haryana Steelers and Gujarat Giants were locked in a tight fourth‑fifth spot with 70 points each.
Patna’s journey has been a roller‑coaster. After a spectacular 48‑41 victory over the Yoddhas on January 1, they stumbled in a few mid‑season fixtures, dropping crucial points against Dabang Delhi and Bengaluru Bulls. Yet their defensive resurgence in the latter half, epitomised by the 19‑point tackle haul against the Yoddhas, underscores a team that learned from early‑season slip‑ups.
What Comes Next for Patna Pirates and UP Yoddhas?
Patna’s next challenge is the eliminator against the fifth‑placed team, slated for early February at the same Hyderabad arena. If they can replicate their defensive tenacity, a spot in the semi‑finals is within reach. As for the Yoddhas, the offseason will be a period of reflection. Their raiding strength is undeniable – Narwal’s 15‑point haul proves it – but bolstering the tackle unit will be non‑negotiable if they hope to climb the table next year.
Both franchises are backed by Mashal Sports, the league’s promoter, and enjoy extensive coverage on Star Sports Network and streaming via JioCinema. The fan‑base in Hyderabad, already buzzing from the high‑octane match, will be eager to see whether the Pirates can turn defensive grit into a title run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Patna Pirates' win affect their playoff chances?
The 34‑31 victory lifts Patna to sixth place with 69 points, guaranteeing a spot in the eliminator round. It also gives them a six‑point cushion over the seventh‑placed Bengal Warriors, meaning they control their own destiny heading into the knockout stage.
What were the key factors behind UP Yoddhas' loss?
Despite a superior raid tally (23 points vs 15), the Yoddhas managed only eight tackle points. Their defensive lapses allowed Patna to convert raids into crucial raid points and super tackles, ultimately deciding the match.
Who were the standout performers for Patna Pirates?
Sachin Tanwar led the raid effort with six points, while Ankit Jaglan’s five tackle points (including a super tackle) anchored the defense. Manjeet’s four points and Sandeep Kumar’s four points also contributed significantly.
What does the overall PKL season look like for the champions?
Puneri Paltan clinched the title with 96 points, finishing the regular season on a 17‑2‑3 record. Their consistency, both in raiding and tackling, set them apart from the runners‑up Jaipur Pink Panthers, who posted 92 points.
When and where will Patna Pirates play their next match?
Patna’s next fixture is the eliminator on February 3, 2024, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. The match will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed live on JioCinema.
