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Published 12:22 IST, October 17th 2019

PKL 2019 final: Dabang Delhi KC and Bengal Warriors' road to final

Dabang Delhi KC and Bengal Warriors, who were the first two teams to qualify for the PKL playoffs, have made it to the grand finale on Saturday, October 19.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Dabang Delhi KC and Bengal Warriors, the two table-toppers, have secured their spot in the PKL 2019 final. Dabang Delhi beat Bengaluru Bulls 44-38 to reach the final, while Bengal Warriors defeated U Mumba 37-35. Dabang Delhi was the first team to qualify for the PKL 2019 playoffs. Bengal Warriors qualified after their September 22 match with Jaipur Pink Panthers. Bengal Warriors won their last match together on September 30 (42-33). Their match on August 17 ended in a tie. With both teams having an equally good defence and offence units, the trophy could be bagged by any team.

Also read | PKL 2019: Dabang Delhi KC Beat Bengaluru Bulls To Enter Maiden Final

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PKL 2019 final: Dabang Delhi KC to play PKL final for the first time

This will be the first time in PKL history that Dabang Delhi KC have qualified for the final. Coached by Krishan Kumar Hooda and captained by veteran Joginder Singh Narwal, Dabang Delhi KC have had a near-perfect PKL 2019 campaign. They have lost only four out of the 22 matches played. With raiders like Naveen Kumar and Chandran Ranjit on their side, Dabang Delhi KC's raids have a 54% success rate. The young Naveen Kumar has earned 283 raid points, the third-highest in the season. With his efficient and skilful raiding, Naveen has led his team to victory many times. Chandran Ranjit also has a score of 116 raid points, perfectly supporting Naveen and picking up points whenever necessary. Ravinder Pahal has been their top defender with 62 tackle points, receiving ample support from Joginder and Vishal Mane. Though Dabang Delhi KC's attack is stronger, the defensive unit does an incredible job, making few errors and taking out raiders when needed. Their 41-21 victory against Haryana Steelers was their biggest win this season.

Also read | Dabang Delhi Beat Bengaluru Bulls To Enter PKL Final

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PKL 2019 final: Maninder's absence does not affect Bengal Warriors' performance

Bengal Warriors won their match against Jaipur Pink Panthers 41-40 on September 22 to qualify for the PKL playoffs. Out of the 22 matches played, Bengal Warriors have won 14, lost five and tied three matches. Under Maninder Singh's captaincy, the team has passed the league staged with few errors. Although Maninder has been their top performer with 205 raid points, the team performed on the semi-finals even during his absence, effectively displaying their teamwork. Sukesh Hegde with eight raid points and Rinku Narwal with four tackle points made sure the team maintained a lead for most of the game. Baldev Singh, Mohammad Nabibakhsh and K Prapanjan have also performed well this season. Baldev Singh leads their defence with 64 tackle points. Their 48-17 win over UP Yoddha was their biggest win this season. 

Also read | BEN Vs MUM: Prapanjan Confident About Semi-final Clash With U Mumba

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Also read | PKL: Bengal Warriors Beat U Mumba 37-35 To Seal Place In Final

10:38 IST, October 17th 2019