Two contrasting sides clash as bottom-placed Bengal Warriorz host second-placed Puneri Paltan in Match 56 of PKL 12. The league’s most potent raiding unit, led by the unstoppable Devank, faces its sternest test against the season’s strongest defensive lineup.
With playoff positioning on the line, both teams know a win is vital. The battle will pit individual brilliance against coordinated defence, promising an edge-of-the-seat contest.
Probable Starting Lineups
Bengal Warriorz
- Right Corner: Ankit
- Right In: Devank (C)
- Right Cover: Mayur Kadam
- Centre: Himanshu Narwal
- Left Cover: Manjeet
- Left In: Manprit
- Left Corner: Ashish
Puneri Paltan
- Right Corner: Gaurav Khatri
- Right In: Aditya Shinde
- Right Cover: Abinesh Nadarajan
- Centre: Pankaj Mohite
- Left Cover: Gurdeep
- Left In (C): Aslam Inamdar
- Left Corner: Vishal Bhardwaj
Dhaakad Devank: Bengal’s Raiding Maestro
Devank continues to redefine consistency in PKL 12, recording Super 10s in every match. His 22-point masterclass against Patna Pirates propelled Bengal to their third win of the season.
Key Stats:
- 131 raid points in 8 matches (16.4 avg, 71% SR)
- 8 consecutive Super 10s – unmatched this season
- League’s highest average raid points
Performance Insights:
- By defenders in play: 6–7 defenders: 103 points at 83% SR; 4–5 defenders: 11 points at 34% SR
- Time-wise: 1–10 mins: 36 pts (65% SR), 11–20 mins: 29 pts (74% SR), 21–30 mins: 37 pts (77% SR), 31–40 mins: 29 pts (69% SR)
Devank has historically performed well against Puneri Paltan: 11.3 raid points at 67% SR with 2 Super 10s in 3 meetings.
Bengal Warriorz – Season So Far
Recent Results:
- Won 48–42 vs Patna Pirates
- Lost 41–45 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Won 41–37 vs UP Yoddhas
- Lost 36–46 vs Tamil Thalaivas
- Lost 34–45 vs Dabang Delhi K.C.
Despite the league’s strongest attacking weapon, Bengal sit in 10th place. Defensive frailties persist, averaging just 8.9 tackle points at 32% success rate, highlighting the challenge for their young defensive setup.
Corner Combo Ashish-Ankit:
- Ashish: 4.0 tackle points avg, 19 points in 6–7 defender situations
- Ankit: 4 tackle points at 44% SR
This duo must withstand Puneri Paltan’s balanced raiding assault to give Bengal a chance.
Puneri Paltan – Title Contenders on Defence
Recent Results:
- Lost 30–34 vs Haryana Steelers
- Won 40–22 vs U Mumba
- Won 39–33 vs Telugu Titans
- Won 43–32 vs UP Yoddhas
- Lost 37–48 vs Patna Pirates
Defensive Dominance:
- 12.3 tackle points avg, 50% success rate
- Consistent wins linked directly to defensive performance
- Full-line excellence: High 5s across all main defenders
Raiding Depth:
- Aditya Shinde: 56 raid points (67% SR, 2 Super 10s)
- Pankaj Mohite: 49 raid points (46% SR, 2 Super 10s)
- Aslam Inamdar: 31 raid points (30% SR, 1 Super 10)
Pankaj Mohite’s recent Super 10 against Haryana Steelers highlights Paltan’s depth and adaptability, crucial for countering Devank’s brilliance.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches: 23 | Bengal Warriorz – 8 | Puneri Paltan – 13 | Tied – 2
- Since PKL 8: Puneri unbeaten against Bengal in 6 of last 7 encounters (1 tie)
Key Player Battles
Bengal Raider vs Paltan Defender:
- Devank 4–3 Abinesh Nadarajan
- Devank 4–1 Gaurav Khatri
Paltan Raider vs Bengal Defender:
- Pankaj Mohite 6–5 Mayur Kadam
- Aslam Inamdar 4–1 Mayur Kadam
What to Expect
This match is a classic clash of individual brilliance versus defensive coordination. Devank’s quest for his ninth consecutive Super 10 will be tested against the league’s best defensive unit. Expect small margins deciding the outcome, with execution under pressure likely to determine the winner.
Match Details:
- Match: Bengal Warriorz vs Puneri Paltan – Match 56, PKL Season 12
- Date: Tuesday, 30th September 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai