A spectacular second-half comeback saw the Haryana Steelers defeat the Patna Pirates 39-32 in a thrilling Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 fixture held in Delhi. This much-needed victory breaks a five-match losing skid for the Steelers and elevates them to the sixth position in the league standings. The defensive brilliance of Jaideep Dahiya, who registered a High Five with six tackles, and the offensive onslaught of Shivam Patare, who notched a Super 10, were the driving forces behind this impressive win. The Patna Pirates, despite a valiant effort from Ayan Lohchab for 17 points, ultimately fell short.
The opening minutes of the contest were closely fought, with both teams exchanging blows. Ayan Lohchab made an immediate impact for the Pirates, demonstrating his dual threat in both raiding and defense. Haryana’s defensive unit, with notable contributions from Hardeep and Rahul Sethpal, managed to maintain parity for a period. However, Patna gradually took control, building an 8-6 lead through a combination of Balaji D’s tackle and Ayan’s raid. The Steelers’ defense, spearheaded by Rahul Sethpal’s Super Tackle, showed resilience, but the Pirates managed to secure the first ALL OUT of the match. The game continued its back-and-forth nature, with both teams trading successful plays. Patna Pirates ultimately established a significant 20-14 lead at halftime, thanks to Ayan Lohchab’s nine raid points and Vaibhav Garje’s defensive acumen.
Following the break, Haryana Steelers rallied strongly. Their captain inspired a defensive comeback with crucial Super Tackles, reducing the deficit significantly. Shivam Patare’s offensive fireworks continued, bringing the Steelers within touching distance and achieving a personal season milestone of 100 raid points. Patna’s Ayan Lohchab responded with his Super 10, restoring a four-point lead for his team. However, the Steelers’ momentum was unstoppable. Sahil Narwal’s Super Tackle and Vinay’s subsequent raid drew them level. As the final ten minutes approached, Haryana Steelers seized the lead and extended it, outplaying the Pirates by seven points in the third quarter. Although Navdeep’s Super Tackle momentarily put Patna ahead, Jaideep Dahiya’s defensive dominance, including his High Five, and Vinay’s critical ALL OUT, gave the Steelers a crucial four-point cushion. Shivam Patare then put the finishing touches on the win with a two-point raid, securing his Super 10 and a memorable seven-point comeback victory for Haryana Steelers.