Pardeep Narwal inspires Patna Pirates to Pro Kabaddi League semis

Mumbai, July 24 (ANI): Pardeep Narwal produced a remarkable performance as Patna Pirates booked their place in the semi-finals of the fourth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League with a 31-28 win over Puneri Paltan here at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium last evening. It is for the fourth consecutive time that Patna have made it to the semi finals. Patna Pirates are now top of the table with 47 points from 12 games whereas Puneri Paltan are now fifth with 32 points from 12 games. Pune have an outside chance of still qualifying for the semi finals. Patna Pirates made a swift start as they led into 4-2 as Rajesh Mondal scored two raid points. However, Puneri Paltan came back to trail 4-5. Pardeep Narwal scored his second raid point as Patna Pirates led 6-4 after 10 minutes. Narwal continued to garner points and he scored two more points as Patna Pirates led 9-4after 12 minutes. Patna Pirates inflicted an all out in 14th minute to lead. Puneri Paltan came back into the game in the last four minutes of first half as they trailed 10-15 at the break. Ajay Thakur scored four points for Puneri Paltan in the first half. Puneri Paltan began the second half in fine fashion as they Parmod Narwal scored two raid points in the 22nd minute as they trailed 12-15. Patna Pirates forced a super tackle in 24th minute as they led 18-12. Pardeep Narwal continued his hot streak and scored with a super raid in 26th minutes to lead 22-12.Puneri Paltan scored four points in the next three minutes as they tried to cut Patna's lead and trailed 16-22 after 29 minutes. In the 30th minute Patna Pirates inflicted their third all out as they led 28-16 with Pardeep Narwal leading their charge with crucial raids throughout the game. Puneri Paltan mounted a strong comeback as they cut the lead to just four points with four minutes go. They also inflicted an all out on Patna Pirates in the 35th minute. Pardeep Narwal scored his 12th raid point in the 37th minute as Patna led 30-25. Puneri Paltan scored two raid points in the last 90 seconds but it wasn't enough as they lost 28-31 in the end. (ANI)