Two sides battling for playoff survival meet in Match 77 of PKL 12 as Bengaluru Bulls host Jaipur Pink Panthers. The spotlight will be on the Iranian stars, with Alireza Mirzaian leading the Bulls’ raid charge against Jaipur’s record-setting raider Ali Samadi. Meanwhile, Bengaluru’s sturdy defensive duo of Deepak Sankar and Yogesh face Jaipur’s revitalized Reza Mirbagheri in a contest that could define both teams’ playoff fate.
Probable Starting Line-Ups
Bengaluru Bulls
- Right Corner – Yogesh (C)
- Right In – Aashish Malik
- Right Cover – Sanjay
- Centre – Akash Shinde
- Left Cover – Satyappa Matti
- Left In – Alireza Mirzaian
- Left Corner – Deepak Sankar
Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Right Corner – Deepanshu Khatri
- Right In – Ali Samadi
- Right Cover – Aashish
- Centre – Meetu
- Left Cover – Reza Mirbagheri
- Left In – Sahil
- Left Corner – Aryan Kumar
Bulls’ Defensive Reliability Could Be Key
For Bengaluru, securing a playoff spot hinges on winning at least three of their remaining matches. Their season has been marred by heartbreak, losing three matches in tie-breakers that could have catapulted them higher in the standings.
The Bulls’ defense has been a consistent strength. With 129 tackle points across 12 matches, their unit ranks among the league’s most dependable. When corner defenders Yogesh and Deepak Sankar perform well, Bengaluru’s chances of victory rise sharply. Deepak has been a standout, maintaining a 53% tackle success rate with 2 High 5s, while Yogesh has led from the front, both as a defender and captain.
Recent defensive performances:
- vs Tamil Thalaivas: 13 tackle points at 52% SR
- vs Puneri Paltan: 10 tackle points at 37% SR
- vs UP Yoddhas: 12 tackle points at 40% SR
- vs Gujarat Giants: 14 tackle points at 67% SR
The Bulls’ previous meeting with Jaipur saw them triumph through a strong defensive showing, recording 13 tackle points from 23 attempts.
Alireza Leads the Bulls’ Raiding Effort
Alireza Mirzaian has shouldered much of Bengaluru’s raiding responsibility, averaging 8.2 points per match with 6 Super 10s. He thrives in high-pressure situations, particularly in the first and final ten minutes, making him a crucial weapon for the Bulls.
However, the supporting raiders have struggled to maintain efficiency. Aashish Malik and Akash Shinde provide backup, but the Bulls’ raiding unit ranks second-lowest in average points and success rate in the league. Alireza’s performance will be decisive if Bengaluru hopes to edge past Jaipur.
Jaipur Pink Panthers Seek Consistency
Jaipur occupies 7th place and remains in the playoff hunt, but they have suffered close defeats in recent games. Ali Samadi has emerged as the team’s key raider, filling in admirably during Nitin Kumar Dhankar’s injury absence. Samadi set a new record for Iranian raiders with 22 points in a single match, showcasing his extraordinary skill and efficiency with a 61% raid success rate this season.
Defensively, Jaipur has shown flashes of promise. Reza Mirbagheri and Deepanshu Khatri both achieved High 5s in their last outing against Dabang Delhi, indicating a resurgence that could challenge Bengaluru’s raiders.
Jaipur’s defense in the last seven matches:
- vs Dabang Delhi: 16 tackle points at 62% SR
- vs Puneri Paltan: 5 tackle points at 20% SR
- vs Haryana Steelers: 12 tackle points at 50% SR
Head-to-Head and Tactical Battles
The historical record between these sides is tightly contested: 23 matches – Jaipur 11, Bengaluru 10, tied 2. Bengaluru won their earlier season clash by 5 points, reversing Jaipur’s recent dominance in PKL 11.
Key battles to watch:
- Alireza Mirzaian vs Ali Samadi – Iranian raiding showdown
- Deepak Sankar & Yogesh vs Reza Mirbagheri – Corner defense challenge
- Supporting raiders vs secondary defenders – could tilt the scoreboard
The game promises a tactical duel, with playoff implications adding extra intensity. Bengaluru’s defense holds a slight statistical edge, but Jaipur’s reinvigorated defenders and Ali Samadi’s efficiency make for a potential upset.
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate a tightly contested encounter where defense and raiding efficiency will determine the outcome. Bengaluru will rely on Alireza’s brilliance and their sturdy defensive unit to clinch crucial points. Jaipur, however, could exploit gaps with Ali Samadi and a recovering Reza Mirbagheri to fight back fiercely.
With playoffs on the line, this match is likely to be decided by narrow margins, and the Iranian stars could prove decisive in the final minutes.
Match Details
- Match: Bengaluru Bulls vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Match 77, PKL Season 12
- Date: Saturday, 11th October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi