U Mumba produced a dominant all-round performance to outclass Tamil Thalaivas 42-24 in Match 58 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 on Wednesday night in Chennai. The victory not only gave them two crucial points but also lifted them to fifth place in the standings.
The hero of the night was Sandeep, who registered his third straight Super 10 with 12 raid points, while defenders Lokesh Ghosliya and skipper Sunil Kumar recorded High Fives each. Their combined efforts ensured U Mumba’s grip on the match, despite a spirited defensive show from Nitesh Kumar, who also bagged a High Five for the Thalaivas.
The contest began evenly, with U Mumba edging ahead 9-7 in the first 10 minutes. Sandeep and Zafardanesh created early pressure with effective raids, while Lokesh and Rinku executed crucial tackles. Tamil Thalaivas, led by Arjun Deshwal’s sharp raiding, kept themselves within touching distance. Tactical substitutions, including Yogesh Yadav, gave them fresh energy, but U Mumba’s compact defence held firm.
By halftime, the visitors had carved out a 16-11 advantage, thanks to Ajit Chouhan’s vital Do-or-Die raid and Lokesh’s lightning-quick High Five — the second-fastest of the season. Tamil Thalaivas’ attempts to turn the tide through Deshwal and defensive contributions from Suresh Jadhav and Nitesh Kumar were not enough to stop U Mumba from tightening their grip.
The turning point arrived early in the second half when Sandeep’s two-point raid triggered the first ALL OUT, pushing U Mumba’s lead to 28-16. From there, the match slipped further from the Thalaivas’ grasp as repeated empty raids and failed attempts highlighted their struggles.
Sunil Kumar’s composed defensive leadership, coupled with relentless pressure from Zafardanesh, ensured Tamil Thalaivas had no chance of a comeback. A second ALL OUT inflicted late in the match widened the margin, leaving U Mumba firmly in control.
By the final whistle, U Mumba’s 18-point win showcased their balance in both raiding and defence. Sandeep’s precision in attack, Lokesh’s aggressive tackling, and Sunil’s leadership underlined a team performance that will boost their confidence heading into the latter stages of the season.
Tamil Thalaivas, despite flashes of resistance through Arjun Deshwal and Nitesh Kumar, were undone by inconsistency and the inability to convert crucial raids. The result leaves them with plenty to reflect on as U Mumba continue their surge up the table.
