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The PKL Season 11 is on the home stretch, with the semi-finals set to entertain and enthral the fans at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune. The two semi-finals will see Haryana Steelers take on UP Yoddhas in the first game, while three-time champions Patna Pirates play the Dabang Delhi K.C. in the second match on Friday.
The Haryana Steelers qualified directly for the Semi-final, as they finished top of the points table in the league stage, and take on the in-form UP Yoddhas, who stormed past the Jaipur Pink Panthers in Eliminator 1. Both the Haryana Steelers and the UP Yoddhas are in the hunt for their first title. During the league stage, both sides faced each other twice, and walked away with a win each.
Looking ahead to the game against the Haryana Steelers, the assistant coach of UP Yoddhas, Upendra Malik, said, “Some of our games during the league stage were such high pressure and close games, that it was like the Playoffs itself. So, the team has been mentally ready in that sense and prepared as they have faced tough situations. As coaches we told the team to not take too much pressure in the playoffs but treat it like our other matches in the season. We have to play according to our strengths and as per the situation of the match.”
One of the standout performers for the UP Yoddhas has been raider Gagan Gowda. He said, “Haryana Steelers have a brilliant player in Mohammadreza Shadloui, and their defence is also a solid unit. And we will plan accordingly when we face them in the Semi-final.”
Patna Pirates to take on Dabang Delhi K.C. in semi-final 2 pf PKL Season 11
Semi-final 2 of PKL Season 11 will put the Patna Pirates, the most decorated team in the competition, against the Dabang Delhi K.C., who have won the title once. The Patna Pirates have been a fascinating story this year, with the young guns Devank and Ayan leading the way for the team with their superb performances in attack. But the game against the Dabang Delhi K.C., who are coming in on the back of a 15-match unbeaten streak, will be a very different kettle of fish, and the Patna Pirates are well aware of that. During the PKL Season 11, the Patna Pirates have won once and drawn once against the Dabang Delhi K.C.
“We have won the Eliminator against the U Mumba, but we have one goal in our minds in the team, and for that we have to win the Semi-final also, and our coach explains the plans and strategy very well, and he motivates us very well,” said Devank.
Head Coach Narender Redhu was all praise for his squad’s unity and the way they have stepped up in support for each other throughout the season. Looking ahead to the Semi-final against the Dabang Delhi K.C., he said, “Dabang Delhi K.C. are a very good side and we will not be sitting on the fact that we have had positive results against them previously. This is a fresh match, and Naveen and Ashu are in good form also. So, we have to plan accordingly for them, because it is not just the raiders, their defence is also quite good. But we also have a good team, and we will look to continue our good form, and everyone can hopefully see a fantastic game.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
