Pro Kabaddi Today’s Match: Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has been an exciting season, full of intense games and special moments. The league has now advanced to Pune, the home of the reigning champions, Puneri Paltan, as it enters its second decade. With teams fighting for a postseason berth, the league stage’s last leg is scheduled to begin on December 3rd and end on December 24th. Additionally, Pune will host the PKL Season 11 Playoffs, which consist of:

Eliminators: Scheduled for December 26th

Semi-Finals: To be held on December 27th

Grand Final: Taking place on December 29th

In what is anticipated to be one of the most intense Maharashtra Derbys, the Puneri Paltan, who have had some setbacks this season, will hope that home advantage and the home crowd will motivate them as they begin their campaign against bitter rivals U Mumba. Puneri Paltan and U Mumba are ranked fifth and seventh, respectively, on the points table at the conclusion of the first two legs of PKL Season 11. When the two teams faced off in Hyderabad earlier in the season, the Puneri Paltan triumphed against the U Mumba.

The Puneri Paltan have provided their supporters with numerous unforgettable matches over the years. The Paltan, who won their first title in Season 10 of the PKL, have won 19 games, lost 18 games, and drawn 5 games in their 42 games in Pune.

On the other hand, the U Mumba team, who took home the PKL championship in Season 2, has a strong track record while visiting Pune. In a total of 20 games, they have won 12 and lost 8. At the Balewadi Stadium, the U Mumba have three victories and two defeats against Puneri Paltan.

The Puneri Paltan, who have played 15 games so far, have seven victories, five losses, and three draws going into the crucial Maharashtra derby. After only one victory in their previous three games, the Season 10 winners will be looking to gain momentum at home. Conversely, the U Mumba have won eight of their fourteen games, lost five, and drawn one thus far.

In 23 head-to-head matches in the PKL, U Mumba and Puneri Paltan have each recorded 10 victories and three draws. A victory for either team would grant them the right to brag till the next season.

Addressing a press briefing before the start of the Pune leg, Puneri Paltan Coach BC Ramesh explained, “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 explained that the excitement surrounding this inter-Maharashtra matchup 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,” explained 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 2nd and 7th 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,” explained Anupam Goswami League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League.

The Bengaluru Bulls will play the Gujarat Giants in the first game of the third leg of PKL Season 11 on the opening day, while Puneri Paltan and U Mumba will square off in the main event at 9 p.m.