Pro Kabaddi League: Rahul-inspired Telugu Titans thrash Patna Pirates 46-25

Telugu Titans extended their unbeaten streak to nine games after they eased past Patna Pirates 46-25 in their Pro Kabaddi League clash here at Thyagaraj Sports Complex last evening.

Rahul Chaudhari continued his superb form and scored 13 points to extend his team's winning streak to eight games. With both teams already in the semi finals, there was little to play for and both teams gave their fringe players a chance.

Despite the loss, Patna Pirates go into the play offs as table toppers with 52 points from 14 games. Telugu Titans finished the regular league season at second spot with 50 points from 14 games.

Both teams were evenly matched and it was 2-2 with both teams trading raid and tackle points. Patna started without Pardeep Narwal but Iranian Abolfazel Maghsodlo was an able replacement as they led 5-3 after eight minutes. For Telugu Titans, their star raider Rahul Chaudhari took nine minutes to open his account. Telugu Titans led then inflicted an all out as they led 13-6 after 15 minutes. Rahul Chaudhari came up with a super raid as Telugu Titans raced into a 16-7 lead. Abolfazel replied with a super raid of his own in the 16th minute as Patna trailed 10-16. Telugu Titans continued to score points at will as they led 20-10 at the end of the first half with Rahul Chaudhari scoring six points.

Rahul Chaudhari began the second half with a bang as he got a two-point raid and reduced Patna Pirates to just two men in the 21st minute. Telugu Titans inflicted an all out in the 22nd minute as they led 26-12 and Patna looking in complete disarray. Pardeep Narwal came on a second half substitute to ignite life in Patna Pirates. But it was Rahul Chaudhari's evening as he attained a super 10 with Telugu Titans leading 28-12. Patna Pirates forced two super tackles in two minutes as they trailed 17-32 after 29 minutes. Telugu Titans inflicted another all out in the 32nd minute as they led 38-17.

With five minutes to go, Telugu Titans opened a 22-point gap and led 41-19 but Patna Pirates scored two quick points in the next minute. Telugu Titans led 43-12 after 37 minutes and Sandeep Narwal attaining a high five. Telugu Titans won 46-25 and will go into the play offs riding high on confidence.