Yet another game and a thrilling encounter ensued in Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 as Gujarat Giants came from behind to secure a 26-26 draw in their matchup on Tuesday.
The result meant Gujarat Giants would stay second on the points table while Mumbai Khiladis' position remained unchanged, six points above rock-bottom Rajasthan Warriors.
From the get-go, there was arguably little to separate Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Khiladis in the first innings. In Turn 1, the Giants attacked first and managed ten points - comprising two Sky Dives, while the Khiladis stayed alive by scoring three Dream Runs.
Then, in Turn 2, it was in reverse as Mumbai notched ten points - including two Sky Dives and Gujarat, in turn, would effect three Dream Runs to take the score to 13-13 at half-time.
Turn 3 would signal a much-needed shift in the proceedings and bring some excitement to the fore. Mumbai Khiladis' first batch - Aniket Pote, Subhasis Santra and Dhiraj Bhave - would take the Gujarat Giants' attackers for a run, thereby adding two Dream Runs to the scoreline. Another Dream Run from the Khiladis' batch led by Rokeson Singh would see Gujarat Giants defend a seven-point lead in Turn 4.
Faizankha Pathan and Ram Mohan would be the superheroes for Gujarat Giants. Just as Mumbai Khiladis seemed to be on their way to script an upset, Faizankha scored a couple of Dream Runs.
And, like Game 17 of Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2, the game went into the dying seconds with one team - Mumbai Khiladis - seemingly confident of going home with three points. Then arrived Ram Mohan, and the Giants' star brought the heat to the mat by staying away safe and unconquered from the Khiladis' attackers to earn a game-changing Dream Run.
While Mumbai Khiladis will play the first game of UKK Season 2 Matchday 10 against Telugu Yoddhas tomorrow, the Gujarat Giants have two days to recover as they prepare for the clash against Rajasthan Warriors on January 5.
Match Awards
Attacker of the Match: Sreejesh S (Mumbai Khiladis)
Defender of the Match: Pabani Sabar (Gujarat Giants)
Ultimate Kho of the Match: Gajanan Shengal (Mumbai Khiladis)