Dabang Delhi Meets Puneri Paltan in Pro Kabaddi Final Showdown

New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Dabang Delhi and Puneri Paltan, this season's standout teams, are set to lock horns in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 final at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Friday. Both teams have had remarkably similar journeys to the final, finishing as the top two on the points table.

Dabang Delhi, the Season 8 champions, secured their spot in the final after a thrilling 6-4 tiebreaker win over Puneri Paltan in Qualifier 1, where the score was tied at 34-34 in regulation time. Led by captain Ashu Malik and coached by former Dabang Delhi skipper Joginder Narwal, the team has consistently shown resilience in critical moments, a signature trait throughout the season.

Puneri Paltan, on the other hand, showcased a strong comeback, winning their Qualifier 2 match against the Telugu Titans to reach their third final in four seasons. Under Aslam Inamdar's leadership and the expertise of coach Ajay Thakur, the Paltan have set the pace this season, topping the league table with one of the most balanced squads.

Their strategic rotation of raiders and sturdy defensive structure have been problematic for their opponents. The teams have faced each other three times this season, with each encounter going into a tiebreaker. The contests have been tight, with Dabang Delhi leaning on Ashu Malik's dynamic raids and the Paltan benefiting from their composed corners and coordinated tackles.

For Dabang Delhi, the stakes are elevated hosting the final on their home ground, where they hope to channel the crowd's energy and rely on veterans like Fazel Atrachali, Saurabh Nandal, and Ashu Malik. Their defense has grown stronger with each match, and their knack for closing out tight games has distinguished them in the playoffs.

Puneri Paltan will seek redemption after last season's disappointment. They’ve shown unmatched consistency in Season 12, blending youth, depth, and discipline down to a strategic science. The raiding duo of young and fearless Aditya Shinde alongside Aslam Inamdar, pairs effectively with a defense prioritizing synergy over individual heroics.