In a high-stakes clash of the Pro Kabaddi League, Match 73 of PKL Season 12 sees the league leaders, Dabang Delhi K.C., face off against the struggling Bengal Warriorz. While Delhi aim to seal their playoff spot, Bengal rely heavily on their star raider Dhaakad Devank, whose historic milestones add extra intrigue to the encounter. Expect a battle of contrasting styles as Ashish looks to shine against Fazel Atrachali’s rock-solid defence.
Probable Lineups
Bengal Warriorz
- Right Corner: Nitesh Kumar
- Right In: Devank (C)
- Right Cover: Shivansh Thakur
- Centre: Himanshu Narwal
- Left Cover: Parteek
- Left In: Manprit
- Left Corner: Ashish
Dabang Delhi K.C.
- Right Corner: Saurabh Nandal
- Right In: Ajinkya Pawar
- Right Cover: Surjeet Singh
- Centre: Ashu Malik (C)
- Left Cover: Sandeep
- Left In: Neeraj Narwal
- Left Corner: Fazel Atrachali
Headlines to Watch
- Dabang Delhi K.C. can secure a playoff berth with a win.
- Dhaakad Devank faces off against Ashu Malik in a marquee raider duel.
- Devank edges closer to 500 career PKL raid points, potentially becoming the fastest raider in history.
- He can also hit 200 raid points in PKL 12 with a big performance.
- Bengal Warriorz need stronger support from their team.
- Delhi’s defence remains formidable under Fazel Atrachali’s leadership.
Delhi Eye Playoff Qualification
Dabang Delhi K.C. are just one win away from guaranteeing a place in the knockout stages. With 11 victories from 12 matches, Delhi have been the benchmark team in PKL 12, blending attacking flair with defensive solidity.
Their previous matchup against Bengal Warriorz in Match 23 highlighted their dominance, with Ashu Malik orchestrating a comprehensive victory. Their resilience in tight games, including last-minute raids and tie-breakers, underscores a team built for pressure situations.
Key stats for close encounters this season:
- Golden raid wins vs Pune, Jaipur, Titans, Steelers
- Tie-breaker victory vs Haryana Steelers
- Only defeat: Patna Pirates
Coach Joginder Narwal has been instrumental in maintaining Delhi’s consistency. With a 92% win rate in PKL 12, Narwal has proven himself as one of the league’s most astute tacticians.
Clash of Raiding Titans: Devank vs Ashu Malik
This match will be defined by the duel between two of PKL’s finest raiders. Devank has been phenomenal, achieving a Super 10 in every match so far, a feat unmatched this season. In contrast, Ashu Malik brings experience and a clutch factor, leading in Do-or-Die raid points with 21 this season.
PKL 12 Raiding Stats:
- Devank: 181 points (18.1 avg, 76% SR, 10 Super 10s)
- Ashu Malik: 146 points (12.2 avg, 62% SR, 8 Super 10s)
- Bonus points: Devank – 49, Ashu Malik – 37
Delhi’s defensive strength gives Ashu a reliable platform, whereas Devank carries Bengal largely on his own, emphasizing the importance of his performance for any upset.
Bengal Warriorz: Reliance on Devank
Bengal sit 11th on the table, with just 3 wins from 10 matches. Despite Devank’s brilliance, the team’s defensive struggles have consistently undermined their efforts. Ashish has shown promise in defence, but overall, Bengal’s support raiders have underperformed.
Defensive Overview:
- Wins: 12 tackle points avg at 40% SR
- Losses: 6.6 tackle points avg at 24% SR
Top defenders in Bengal:
- Ashish: 33 tackle points in 9 matches (50% SR)
- Nitesh Kumar: League leader with 51 tackle points
Bengal will need their secondary raiders to step up if they are to challenge Delhi’s formidable lineup.
Dabang Delhi K.C.: Defence at Its Peak
Fazel Atrachali leads Delhi’s defensive charge, demonstrating veteran excellence with 38 tackle points and three High 5s. Complemented by Saurabh Nandal, their defence boasts the best tackle success rate in the league at 47%, giving Delhi the edge in controlling the pace of the game.
Interval-wise, Fazel’s performance is particularly impressive during the third quarter, a crucial period where momentum often shifts.
Supporting defence:
- Saurabh Nandal: 34 points, 63% SR
- Surjeet Singh: 22 points, 34% SR
With such balance, Delhi can contain even a high-scoring raider like Devank.
Historical Context & Head-to-Head
Across 24 encounters, Delhi holds a slight advantage:
- Dabang Delhi K.C.: 11 wins
- Bengal Warriorz: 9 wins
- Ties: 4
Recent form favours Delhi, with decisive wins in PKL 11 and 12. However, Devank’s record-breaking chase adds a wildcard factor that could tilt the scales if Bengal’s supporting cast rises to the occasion.
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate a tactical masterclass as Delhi’s balanced team strength meets Bengal’s Devank-led raid strategy. Key battles include:
- Devank vs Fazel Atrachali
- Ashu Malik vs Ashish
- Supporting raiders against Delhi’s defensive unit
While Delhi enter as favourites, Devank’s brilliance keeps Bengal dangerous. The match could define Delhi’s playoff path and set a new milestone in PKL history.
Match Details
- Fixture: Bengal Warriorz vs Dabang Delhi K.C., Match 73, PKL Season 12
- Date: Thursday, 9th October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai