Two super raids cost the Gujarat Giants dearly as they suffered their first defeat of the Pro Kabaddi League 2019 Season 7 when they lost to hosts U Mumbai on a Friday. The Giants, who had been undefeated in the first three matches of the Season 7, went down 20-32. It was just the second win for U Mumba on the home turf this season.
Giants were guilt of defense errors, especially in the second half. In the 36th minute, U Mumba surprised Giants by sending the Surinder Singh for a raid. The defender even managed to fox Gujarat defense and returned with a super raid, 4 points which consumed Giants prominent defenders captain Sunil Kumar and Parvesh. Moreover, it was the first-ever raid point for Surinder. In the entire process, the direction of the game even changed as U Mumba raced ahead 15-24.
Earlier, at the start of the second half, U Mumba raider Rohit breached the Giant defense and returned with three points, which even allows the U Mumba to took control of the match. It was a collective failure for Manpreet boys, who also had a record against the U Mumba before the match.
The first half was a complete contrast where both the team played cautiously. Rather, it was the defense unit of both the team that called the shots. Though there were high intensity and raiders shows a willingness to pick up the touchpoints, the defenders of both the teams kept the raiders in check.
Gradually, pressure started taking control of the minds of the players. Giants captain Sunil was not spared either.
Giants face Puneri Paltan on Monday in Patna leg.
