The John Cain Arena in Melbourne was alive with energy as it played host to the historic PKL Melbourne Raid, a captivating kabaddi double-header that brought together some of the finest talents from the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and Australia’s rising kabaddi stars.
The event marked a milestone for the sport, blending thrilling competition with an electric atmosphere that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The evening kicked off with two contrasting yet equally riveting matches. The first was a closely fought battle between the PKL All Star Masters and the PKL Mavericks, a game that kept fans intrigued until the very last moment.
In a contest where every raid and tackle counted, the Mavericks edged out the Masters with a narrow 41-39 victory. The second match showcased the international flavor of kabaddi as the Pro Kabaddi All Stars demonstrated their dominance with a commanding 46-28 win over the spirited Aussie Raiders.
The opening clash set the tone for the day, delivering a tactical masterclass where defense was as much a highlight as the explosive raiding. The Masters struck first, with Saurabh Nandal executing a breathtaking Super Raid to give his team an early edge.
But the Mavericks were quick to respond, rallying behind the dual brilliance of Ajay Thakur and Pardeep Narwal, who executed two-point raids that culminated in an ALL OUT, flipping the momentum in their favor.
Not to be outdone, the Masters roared back into contention. Maninder Singh, showcasing his trademark agility and power, delivered a game-changing Super Raid that shifted the narrative.
This pivotal moment forced an ALL OUT on the Mavericks, allowing the Masters to reclaim the lead and enter halftime with a slender 22-19 advantage.
The second half was a spectacle of individual brilliance and team strategy. Pardeep Narwal, known as the “Dubki King,” put on a masterclass in raiding, recording a Super 10 performance that left the Masters scrambling to respond.
While Jai Bhagwan’s timely Super Raid briefly restored hope for the Masters and gave them a fleeting lead, the Mavericks’ collective resilience, anchored by Pardeep’s heroics, ensured they emerged victorious. The pulsating finish, packed with late-game drama, left the Melbourne crowd in awe of kabaddi’s sheer intensity.
In the second encounter of the evening, the Pro Kabaddi All Stars made a resounding statement right from the outset, delivering an ALL OUT on the Aussie Raiders within the first three and a half minutes of play.
This early surge set the tone for what would become a commanding performance by the visiting team. However, the Aussie Raiders refused to back down, finding a spark through Benny Gowers, whose crucial tackle on Pardeep Narwal injected energy into the home side.
Brett Deledio followed up with a swift running hand touch on Saurabh Nandal, bringing the Australians their fifth point. Despite their efforts, the All Stars entered halftime with a commanding 24-9 lead, their dominance firmly established.
The second half began with a determined response from the Aussie Raiders. Rallying behind Heppel, who tagged the seasoned Jeeva Kumar and Anup Kumar, the Raiders forced an ALL OUT on the All Stars, narrowing the deficit to just 12 points. This resurgence highlighted the Raiders’ fighting spirit, yet it wasn’t enough to derail the All Stars’ momentum.
Key moments saw Maninder Singh and Sukesh Hegde step up for the All Stars with critical raids, while defensive stalwarts Rakesh Kumar and Ran Singh tightened their grip on the game.
The Aussies showcased flashes of brilliance, including another ALL OUT driven by Heppel and a valiant effort by Billy Gowers, who challenged Ran Singh with skill and determination. However, the Raiders’ lack of experience in handling high-pressure moments proved to be their undoing.
The match concluded with the All Stars asserting their dominance through a well-coordinated defense, culminating in Joshua Kennedy being tackled decisively on the left flank.
The Pro Kabaddi All Stars clinched an emphatic 46-28 victory, finishing 17 points ahead of their spirited hosts. The game underscored the All Stars’ superior strategies and clinical execution while showcasing the promise and potential of Australian kabaddi talent on the international stage.
