Pardeep Narwal has had a riot this season.
For anyone watching, his play has implied one thing: he’s overpowering. So overpowering, any opposition would consider him an obstinate devil who has to be turned out speedily whenever a chance arises. But it’s not easy.
Bengal Warriors tried and failed, losing 44-47, to the Narwal-led Patna Pirates in the second qualifier on Thursday.
Few minutes into the match, Narwal stood out with a raid that inflicted an all-out on the Warriors. He managed to put out the only three defenders who desperately tried to pin him. His escape was the laborious, teeth-clenching kind, as the defenders mustered some bulldog pluck to defy him. Pirates were 9-1 ahead then.
From there, till about five minutes left in the second half, Pirates looked as if there were in a hurry to continue their title pursuit. It was deuced keen and business-like and made it seem the Warriors’ challenge was a mere formality for it them to squash.
They ended the first half 21-12, had a 42-28 lead in the second, before the Warriors revolted and closed in to make it 44-47. Narwal scored 23 points in all.
Patna Pirates will now face Gujarat Fortungiants in the final on Saturday.
The result: Second qualifier: Patna Pirates 47 bt Bengal Warriors 44 .
Published - October 26, 2017 10:48 pm IST
