Dabang Delhi KC defeated Puneri Paltan 31–28 in the Pro Kabaddi League season 12 final to register their second championship win after their first title in season 8. The match, held at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, saw the home team under pressure to clinch the title in front of their fans. The result also put Delhi among the elite group as they became the first home team since U Mumba in Season 2 to lift the trophy on their home ground. With this victory, Fazel Atrachali became the most successful foreign player in PKL history and added another record to his career achievements.
The game started with Delhi taking an early lead thanks to Neeraj Narwal’s two-point run and a successful interception. Ajinkya Pawar gave Delhi their first ALL OUT to give them a six-point lead in the first half. Neeraj Narwal continued to impress as he scored a Super Raid that extended Delhi’s lead to eight points at half-time (20–14).
Ashu Malik scored a crucial point in the last quarter and Anurag made a Super Tackle late in the game to keep Delhi ahead. Their combined efforts laid a solid foundation for Delhi’s victory.
For Puneri Paltan, Aditya Shinde led the charge with Super 10, who staged a spirited comeback in the second half. Abinesh Nadarajan anchored the defense with 4 point tackles and 3 super tackles while Gaurav Khatri and Mohd Amaan provided vital defensive support which kept the contest competitive until the final whistle.
Delhi’s initial strategy focused on aggressive raiding and solid defence. The team rose to the occasion as Neeraj Narwal’s Super Raid set the tone and Ajinkya Pawar’s ALL OUT provided the decisive advantage. The coaching staff, led by Joginder Narwal, made early tactical changes, maintaining pressure and alternating defensive formations to disrupt Pune’s rhythm.
Puneri Paltan responded in the second half by tightening up their defense and relying on Aditya Shinde’s runs. Gurdeep’s saves and a late ALL OUT from Shinde reduced Delhi’s lead to just one point towards the end. Delhi remained calm and Fazel Atrachali’s crucial tackle on Shinde at the worst of times sealed their three-point win. The balance of attack and defense in both teams highlighted the tactical depth on display.
Statistically, Delhi led 20-14 at half-time, their early attacking strategies paying off. Neeraj Narwal’s 8 points, Ajinkya Pawar’s 6 and Anurag’s Super Tackle were matched by Pune’s late surge led by Aditya Shinde’s Super 10. Abinesh Nadarajan’s defensive contributions (4 tackles, 3 Super Tackles) proved decisive, but Delhi at a critical level.
Winning the title was also a special moment for Joginder Narwal as he became the first man to win the PKL title as both a player and a coach.
– The end
Published on:
31 October 2025
