‘Ye toh hona hi tha’ – Fans react as Puneri Paltan beat Haryana Steelers in final to win their maiden PKL title in 10th season

Puneri Paltan won the final of the PKL 2024 against Haryana Steelers in a well-competed match. Given the strength of the table toppers, it was evident that they were not going to get blown away in the final. However, Haryana punched above its weight and put on a good performance. In a final where things could have gone either way, Paltan emerged victorious.

Right from the first half, Puneri had a slight edge over Haryana. Both the teams deployed defensive tactics and waited for do-or-die raids to capitalize on the pressure of the opponents. It worked mostly for both the opponents barring a couple of sensational super raids. The first of it came in the first half from Pankaj Mohite, whose raid turned out to be the decisive factor.

Minute claimed a 4-point raid which gave a crucial 3-point lead for Paltan at the end of the first half. From 13-10, Puneri deployed more defensive tactics and played well as a unit. They did not allow the Steelers to be back in the game. Towards the last few minutes of the game, Haryana tried their best to make a comeback in the game. Siddharth Desai’s raid gave the fans a bit of hope.

Best team performance in a PKL season?

However, Paltan held their nerves to win the title. After losing the previous season in the final to Jaipur Pink Panthers, Puneri had a redemption, as they won their maiden title in the league. The absence of Mohit Goyat and Aslam Inamdar cost them a lot in the final of PKL 9. In the presence of the two, Puneri won the title. Many regard it to be the best team in the history of the PKL.

Their performances in the 10th edition of the league were top-notch. Paltan remained in the top spot in the league for the most part. They ended the league with just two losses to their name, beating all the teams in the process. They had a relatively easy game in the semifinal against Patna Pirates as they beat the 3-time champions by 37-21. They won the final by 28-25.

Here’s how the fans reacted to Puneri Paltan’s big win –