The runner-up of the previous season, Dabang Delhi, will square off against Haryana Steelers in Match No. 68 of the Pro Kabaddi League at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Convention Centre in Whitefield in Bengaluru on Friday.
The match is billed as one between two teams occupying contrasting positions in the points table as Delhi perch at the top while Haryana is fourth from the bottom. While the table-toppers have the second-most raid points in the league, their opponents are sixth from that perspective.
However, Haryana has the upper hand over Delhi defensively. The Steelers average 10.73 tackle points per game, while their opponents average just 7.73 points from that avenue. Haryana’s defenders have made 11 Super Tackles in the competition but their counterparts from Delhi have notched up just two.
Both sides have inflicted 12 All Outs in the competition so far, however, the Steelers have conceded 15 All Outs as opposed to Delhi’s 13.
How have they done so far?
Dabang Delhi began the competition on a red-hot form, staying unbeaten for their first seven matches, courtesy of Naveen Kumar’s raiding prowess. Their streak came to a screeching halt against Jaipur Pink Panthers when they lost to them by two points.
In the absence of the Naveen Express, Bengaluru Bulls hammered Delhi by the largest victory margin in the season before returning to winning ways against Haryana Steelers.
Delhi won their previous match against Patna Pirates and will be eager to extend their winning run to three matches.
Haryana Steelers began their campaign on a sour note winning just two out of their first five encounters. Continuing their struggle, they picked up just two wins from their next five games.
They have lost three matches by less than three points while also suffering a 19-point loss to Tamil Thalaivas. The Steelers would like to put an end to their troubles with a win over Delhi.
Head to Head Record
Haryana Steelers hold the upper hand over their opponent as they have won six of their eight encounters. Delhi won the remaining two as none of the matches between the two sides ended in a draw.
In the previous encounter this season, the Steelers defense was able to restrict Naveen Kumar to only 5 raid points. But, Vijay Malik scalped 11 raid points to ensure Delhi remained at the top of the table.
Key Players
Vijay Malik: There is a shadow of doubt over Naveen Kumar’s availability for Dabang Delhi but Vijay Malik has filled his boots in the last two games. With 20 raid points in two matches, Vijay will be eager to prove his mettle against the Steelers’ defense.
Jaideep: Playing in his debut season, Jaideep has shown enough maturity to rack up 35 tackle points with a strike rate of 59%. He has the second-most number of tackle points this season and would play an elemental role in stopping Delhi’s raiding unit.
Predicted Starting 7’s
Haryana Steelers players will look to get a win over the table toppers
Dabang Delhi: Ashu Malik, Jeeva Kumar, Vijay Malik, Manjeet Chillar, Vikash D, Sandeep Narwal, Krishan Dhull
Haryana Steelers: Vikash Kandola, Ravi Kumar, Jaideep, Rohit Gulia, Meetu Mhahender, Mohit, Surender Nada
Prediction
Haryana Steelers have not picked up a single victory against sides that are in the top half of the table. Dabang Delhi have not lost a single game to a team that are on the bottom half of the table and come on the back of a two-game winning run. Hence, we predict a comfortable Delhi victory.