U Mumba to take on defending champions Puneri Paltan

One of the most entertaining and tightly contested seasons in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) enters its final leg of the league stage that will be hosted by Pune, the home of the reigning champions Puneri Paltan from 3rd to 24th December, 2024. Appropriately the Season 10 champions will face former champions U Mumba (Season 2 winners)  in what is expected to be one of the most competitive versions of the ‘Maha Maharashtra Derby' on the opening night at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Tuesday, 3rd December.

Both the teams have had a few bumps on the way this season. At the end of the first two legs of PKL Season 11, the Puneri Paltan who won their previous outing against Gujarat Giants by a narrow margin of one point (34-33) are placed fifth with 47 points on the points table of the 12 team tournament after having played 15 games. U Mumba on the other hand following their loss to Telgu TItans by a score line of 41-35 in their previous encounter slipped from second to seventh place after having accumulated 46 points from 14 games. Earlier in the season when the two teams met, the Akash Shinde led Puneri Paltan defeated Sunil Kumar’s U Mumba outfit 35-28 at the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad in the first week of November.

Over the years, the Puneri Paltan have given their fans many memorable matches. In 42 games in Pune, the Paltan — who won their first title in Season 10 of the PKL — have registered 19 wins, 18 defeats and five draws.

Meanwhile, the U Mumba side, have an impressive record on their visits to Pune. Overall, in 20 games, they have lost eight matches while winning 12. Against Puneri Paltan, the U Mumba have registered three wins and two losses, when playing at the Balewadi Stadium. 

Going into the all-important Maha Maharashtra derby, the Puneri Paltan, who have played 15 games up until now, have notched up seven wins, with five defeats and three ties. The Season 10 champions have managed one win in their last three games, and will be hopeful that they can build momentum in their own backyard. In the other corner, the U Mumba have won eight of their 14 games, losing five and drawing one so far.

Head-to-Head, U Mumba and Puneri Paltan have played each other 23 times in the PKL, with both sides registering 10 wins each, alongside 3 draws, and a win for either side, would hand them the bragging rights, until the next season. 

Addressing a press briefing before the start of the Pune leg, Puneri Paltan Coach BC Ramesh said, “PKL Season 11 has been one of the toughest we have seen so far. But, now in Pune, the Puneri Paltan, are keen to ensure that we make proper plans for all our opponents, and more importantly execute them perfectly. It is a good opportunity for us to be playing in front of our own fans.” 

U Mumba's coach Gholamareza Mazandarani also opined that the excitement surrounding this inter-Maharashtra matchup (Match 90 of PKL Season 11) is equally high among fans and players alike. “The Puneri Paltan are a very difficult team to play against and in front of their home fans, they will be more motivated for sure, but U Mumba is going to come prepared, just like we plan and work for every game. It is important for us to execute our plans well and play with discipline,” said Gholamreza Mazandarani, Coach, U Mumba. 

"PKL Season 11 has elevated the competitive intensity of Kabaddi to unprecedented heights. A single victory has propelled teams up 4-5 positions in the standings, with just six points separating the second and seventh  spots. This season’s unpredictability has ensured no team can take success for granted. As we enter the third and final phase of the league stage, Pune is set to host a thrilling showdown, where every match could define the fate of the teams,” said Anupam Goswami, League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League. He further added, “After that, the PKL Season 11 Playoffs are over in Pune, the Eliminators and Semi-Finals that are slated for 26 and 27 December, respectively, and the grand final on 29 December too will be hosted by Pune”.

While the opening day of the third leg of PKL Season 11 will see the blockbuster clash between Puneri Paltan and U Mumba at 9pm, the first game of the day will see the Bengaluru Bulls take on the Gujarat Giants in battle of laggards. 

Schedule for PKL Season 11 matches on Tuesday, 3rd December:

Match 1 – Bengaluru Bulls Vs Gujarat Giants – 8 pm  
Match 2 – U Mumba Vs Puneri Paltan – 9 pm

Photo Above : (L to R) Puneri Paltan Head Coach BC Ramesh and Captain  Akash Shinde along with U Mumba Captain Sunil Kumar and Head Coach Gholamreza Mazandaran pose playfully with the PKL Season 11 Trophy ahead of the start of the final leg in Pune (Photos courtesy PKL)