JOIN USPuneri Paltan warmed themselves up for the difficult semifinal battle ahead by swamping Bengal Warriors 43-19 in their concluding round robin game of the Pro Kabaddi League at the NSCI Vallabhai Patel Stadium, here on Wednesday.
Puneri Paltan were ahead of their rivals, who, too, have already qualified for the knock out rounds scheduled in Delhi, from the first minute of play and never relented their hold to ensure they finished third on the league table with 48 points, one better than Bengal, after notching their seventh win. At half time, the Pune side led 20-18.
Deepak Hooda led Puneri Paltan in attack by garnering 13 points, including one bonus. He was given adequate support in this department by teammates Tushar Patil (4) and Nilesh Salunkhe (5).
In defence, Surjeet was solid for the winners and accumulated seven points, while he also picked up one raid point. Manjeet Chillar (4) stood shoulder to shoulder with him.
For Bengal, Mahendra Rajput stood out with (6) raid points along with substitute Kedar Sharma (3), while Jang Kun Lee (3) and captain Nilesh Shinde (3 with a super tackle) did well in defence.
Following the rest day on Thursday, the semifinals will be held on Friday in Delhi. The final and the third-fourth place play-off will take place in Delhi on Saturday.