The race for the PKL Season 12 playoffs heats up as table-toppers Dabang Delhi take on the resurgent Bengaluru Bulls in Match 94 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. For the Bulls, a win seals their place in the playoffs, while Delhi aim to maintain their dominant run and test their bench strength ahead of the knockout stages.
Delhi’s Raiding Firepower vs Bulls’ Defensive Revival
Dabang Delhi have built their success this season around a sharp, methodical raiding unit. They average 21.8 raid points per match with a 53% success rate—one of the best in the league. Captain Ashu Malik remains the heart of this attack, known for explosive starts and match control in the first half.
His record against Bengaluru adds another layer of confidence—99 raid points in 11 matches, including 5 Super 10s, makes him a consistent threat.
Backing him are Neeraj Narwal (71 raid points) and Ajinkya Pawar (56 points), while young Akshit has turned heads with his 97% success rate and a Super 10 against Tamil Thalaivas.
Bengaluru Bulls: Defence Fuels Their Comeback
After a poor start to the season, the Bulls have reinvented themselves through disciplined defending. They currently average 11.1 tackle points per match at a 44% success rate. In wins, this number rises sharply to 13.1 tacle points at 54% success rate—a direct correlation between defence and victory.
The standout performer has been Deepak Sankar, one of the breakout defenders of Season 12. He has 46 tackle points (3.3 average, 58% SR) and improves massively after the first 10 minutes of play.
Skipper Yogesh (41 points), along with cover defenders Satyappa Matti and Sanjay, has added structure to the setup. However, their off-day against Patna Pirates—just 6 tackle points—remains a warning.
Fazel Atrachali on the Brink of History
Delhi’s defence has been as consistent as their raiding unit. They average 11.2 tackle points per match with a 48% success rate, joint-best in the league. Veteran defender Fazel Atrachali is just 6 tackle points shy of becoming the first player in PKL history to reach 600 career tackle points.
Fazel Atrachali in PKL Career:
- 204 matches
- 594 tackle points (2.9 average)
- 58% success rate
- 36 High 5s
He also needs just 1 more tackle point to complete 50 points this season.
Bulls Banking on Alireza Mirzaian’s Brilliance
While the Bulls have solidified their defence, their attack revolves largely around one man—Alireza Mirzaian. The Iranian raider has been sensational, scoring 9.5 raid points per match, 9 Super 10s, and a stellar 74% success rate against Patna Pirates in his last outing.
He is also among the top scorers in Do-or-Die raids this season (24 points), making him a major threat in pressure moments.
Head-to-Head and What to Expect
Delhi have dominated recent meetings, including a 41–34 win earlier this season.
This match promises a tactical battle—Delhi’s structured raiding against the Bulls’ aggressive defence. If Ashu Malik plays, his duel with Deepak Sankar will be central. If he’s rested, youngsters like Akshit and Ajinkya Pawar will carry the responsibility.
For Bengaluru, nothing less than defensive perfection and Alireza’s continued brilliance will do.
Match Details
- Fixture: Dabang Delhi vs Bengaluru Bulls
- Match No.: 94, PKL Season 12
- Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi