PKL5 Match 49 report: Bengal Warriors 32-26 Bengaluru Bulls
Date: 27th August
Time: 8PM IST (3:30PM BST)
Venue: Dome@NSCI SVP Stadium, Mumbai
Zone: B
Line-ups
Bengal Warriors: Deepak Narwal, Jang Kun Lee (✈️, C), Rahul Kumar, Surjeet Singh, Shrikant Tewthia, Ran Singh, Bhupender Singh.
Subs used: –.
Bengaluru Bulls: Ashish Kumar, Rohit Kumar (C), Harish Naik, Ravinder Pahal, Gurvinder Singh, Mahender Singh, Kuldeep Singh.
Subs used: -.
Match Report
The first half was all about the defenses as only a couple of raid points were scored. The match was really even with both defenses keeping the opposing raiders off the mat, the best defender was Surjeet who tackled Rohit Kumar twice in the first half both with fantastic blocks. First Rohit tried to jump over Surjeet but was unsuccessful and then Surjeet pulled off a block from the cover position. The first half ended with Bengal Warriors on top 11-9.
Bengal then flew out of the blocks, with substitute raider Virender getting a 4 point super raid after a failed ankle hold and halfhearted attempts at stopping him, with this the game turned with Bengaluru down to just one player. Gurvinder revived a man but then came the moment which turned the game.
Ravinder Pahal tackled Jang Kun Lee with a diving tackle and Gurvinder tried to support, they had him pinned down for around 5 seconds but Jang Kun Lee finally made it over the mid line to get the all out for Bengal Warriors. Usually the referees blow their whistle much earlier and Bengaluru should’ve picked up a super tackle instead Bengal got the all out. Ravinder Pahal was livid at the decision and he let the referees know about it, for this reaction the referee gave him a straight red card and Bengaluru Bulls were down to 6 players. The scores moved onto 21-11 in favor of Bengal Warriors.
The rest of the Bulls played well to try and get back into the game but to no avail as Bengal kept them at arms length especially with Bengaluru down to 6 players. The final scores 32-26 to Bengal Warriors.
Star Players
- The best raider of the match was Rohit Kumar who scored 7 points for Bengaluru Bulls, Jang Kun Lee also did well scoring 6 points for Bengal Warriors.
- The best defender of the match was Surjeet of Bengal Warriors who got a huge 8 tackle points!
Match Prediction
Prediction: Bengal Warriors 35-30 Bengaluru Bulls
Actual result: Bengal Warriors 32-26 Bengaluru Bulls
Correct result, close scores!
Analysis
Bengal were really solid in defence and that won them the game, Surjeet was immense and probably should deserve more accolades as he pulled off a defensive masterclass keeping their star raider Rohit Kumar quiet. The raiders had a tougher time of things but Jang Kun Lee still picked up 6 raid points which was decent for a defensive game. Although you could argue he got 2 points he didn’t deserve.
Bengaluru were really unlucky with the decision not to blow for the tackle, it was pretty clear they had him pinned but credit to Jang Kun Lee for not giving up. Ravinder Pahal was understandably disappointed but he should’ve remained calm. Otherwise Bengaluru did well in defence and Rohit Kumar got many raid points in the second half, they could’ve won this match but we’ll never know if the outcome would’ve been different. Bengaluru need to start winning soon though!
