Rohit Kumar (11 points) helped Bengaluru Bulls edge out Tamil Thalaivas 32-31 in the ProKabaddi League here on Friday. The winner was well served by defenders Ashish Kumar (6) and Mahender Singh (5) too.
Bengaluru finished the first-half 23-8 ahead, thanks to a terrific performance from Rohit. The skipper, who dons the role of chief raider, racked up several successful forays.
At 10-3, Rohit put his full range of skills on display. He started a raid by sizing up the antis, and then moved menacingly from side to side. Two defenders, with their hands locked, darted in front of him. Rohit showed incredible agility and a sharp mind when he slid under the duo and reached home safely. Mahender, on the other hand, tackled with aplomb. On one play, he lunged forward and executed a strong double ankle-lock to trap the raider.
Tamil Thalaivas star Ajay Thakur had a sub-par day at the office, recording only five successful raids out of 13 attempts. The unit did force its way back into contention through a late surge, but it was not enough.
The result: Bengaluru Bulls 32 (Rohit 11, Ashish 6, Mahender 5) bt Tamil Thalaivas 31 (Ajay 6, Prapanjan 6).