Haryana Steelers Beat U Mumba in Thrilling PKL Tie‑Breaker
When Shivam Patare executed the decisive Super Raid, the Haryana Steelers clinched a dramatic tie‑breaker over U Mumba at the G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on September 3, 2025. The match, designated as Match 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12India, ended 36‑36 after regular time before the extra raid settled the score.
Match Overview
Kick‑off was at 7:30 PM IST, and the first half unfolded like a roller‑coaster. U Mumba surged ahead with a rapid All Out, leaving the Steelers ten points shy. Yet the pendulum swung quickly; a second All Out forced both sides to reset, and Haryana’s defense answered with a Super Tackle that earned them three crucial points. By halftime, U Mumba clung to a three‑point edge, thanks largely to Ajit Chouhan’s early raids.
Key Performances and Turning Points
The second half was a showcase of ‘Do or Die’ raids. Ajit Chouhan posted a Super 10, racking up 18 points (13 touches, 4 bonus, 1 tackle). Meanwhile, Naveen Kumar delivered a game‑changing Super Raid with eight seconds left on the clock, trimming the deficit to a single point. The climax arrived when the score was locked at 36‑36; the tie‑breaker required a single raid, and Shivam Patare rose to the occasion, vaulting over the deep line for the decisive point.
- Ajit Chouhan (U Mumba) – 18 points, Super 10
- Naveen Kumar (Haryana) – 9 raid points, 7 successful raids
- Vinay (Haryana) – 4 defensive points, key tackle in the comeback
- Neeraj (Haryana) – 2 points, 3 successful tackles
- Shivam Patare (Haryana) – Super Raid in tie‑breaker
Strategic Shifts and Defensive Plays
Defence turned the tide for the Steelers. Early on, an All Out seemed to seal their fate, but a Super Tackle by Jaydeep swung momentum. Later, Jaideep and Neeraj combined for a pair of vital tackles in the final minutes, forcing U Mumba into a risky raid that missed its mark. The Steelers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Manjeet Singh, emphasized aggressive ‘do‑or‑die’ raids in the locker room, a tactic that paid off when the team erased a 10‑point hole.
Implications for the Season Standings
That win handed Haryana their first victory of Season 12, earning them five league points under PKL’s scoring rules (5 points for a win, 3 for a tie, 1 for a loss within seven points). Before the match, the Steelers sat at the bottom of the table with zero points; now they climb to the fifth spot, edging past rivals such as Dabang Delhi K.C.. For U Mumba, the narrow loss leaves them with three points, keeping them stubbornly in the lower half despite Chouhan’s heroics.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures and Broadcast
The league’s next round kicks off on September 4, 2025, featuring a showdown between the Jaipur Pink Panthers and the Telugu Titans, followed by Puneri Paltan versus Dabang Delhi K.C.. All matches will be aired live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar. The broadcasting rights, held by Mashal Sports, guarantee high‑definition replays, which fans can also catch on YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Haryana Steelers' chances of qualifying for the playoffs?
The victory puts the Steelers at five points, lifting them out of the bottom three. With twelve matches left, they now need to average around 3.5 points per game to stay in the top six, a realistic target if their raiders keep delivering Super Raids like Shivam Patare’s.
What were the key factors that led to U Mumba’s loss despite Ajit Chouhan’s Super 10?
U Mumba’s defence faltered in the second half, conceding three consecutive successful raids. A missed tackle by Sandeep in the dying minutes gave Haryana the chance to force the tie‑breaker, and the final Super Raid by Shivam exploited a gap left by U Mumba’s over‑aggressive raid strategy.
Who are the standout defensive players to watch in the upcoming matches?
For the Steelers, Vinay and Neeraj have combined for six tackle points this season and are likely to anchor the backline. U Mumba can rely on their veteran defender Sahil Kumar, who averages 1.8 successful tackles per game.
When and where can fans watch the next PKL fixtures?
The next round begins Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM IST. Matches will be televised on Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar. Venues include the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur and the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
