Haryana Steelers fall short against Titans

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 18

Haryana Steelers’ three-match winning streak came to end as they were easily beaten by Telugu Titans in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai today. 

Siddharth Desai starred for the Titans with 18 points, leading his team to a 40-29 win. It proved to be an off day for Haryana’s defence. 

In his first raid, Vikash Kandola picked up a point for the Steelers. It was a close contest in the first few minutes of the match as both the teams were neck-and-neck. Kandola and Prashanth Kumar Rai were among the points for Haryana Steelers with the defensive unit yet to make a major impact in the match.

Telugu Titans led in the first half as brothers Siddharth and Suraj Desai proved to be a menace for the Haryana defence. The Titans ended the first period with an eight-point lead (21-13).

The Steelers came into the second period, eager to get the bonuses and reduce the lead. Haryana, however, kept giving away easy points and lead increased to 16 points with 10 minutes left to play.

The Titans then started playing a safe game, trying to preserve their lead. They cut out unnecessary errors. Even though the Steelers tried hard to bring the match within reach, their efforts went in vain as they lost by an 11-point margin.

With 21 points from eight matches, Haryana are seventh in the 12-team table. The Titans are ninth with 18 points from nine matches. Haryana Steelers will face U Mumba tomorrow. Mumba are sixth on 23 points from eight matches. The match is crucial for both the teams as a win would ensure that they remain in the top half of the table. Both Mumba and the Steelers have won four and lost four matches. 

In the second match of the day, Tamil Thalaivas and Puneri Paltan played out a thrilling 31-31 draw.