Ganga Kings of Mirzapur triumphed over Gazab Ghaziabad, derailing their hopes of making it to the top-four stage of Season 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) in Noida on Thursday.
High Stakes Clash
The opening match of Do-or-Die Week on Day 15 of UPKL Season 2 was critical for both teams. Ganga Kings, already out of the top-four race, faced Gazab Ghaziabad, who entered the contest in fourth place, needing a victory to secure their playoff position.
The match started evenly, with both teams exchanging raids and tackles during the initial exchanges. As the game progressed, Ganga Kings strengthened their defensive structure and began to take control. Their disciplined defense paid off, forcing Gazab Ghaziabad to face two all-outs, which opened up a decisive lead and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
Second Half Struggle
In the second half, Gazab Ghaziabad raised their intensity and managed to force an all-out on Ganga Kings, briefly rekindling hopes of a comeback. However, the gap proved too large to bridge as Ganga continued to manage the game intelligently, keeping Gazab from sustaining their needed momentum.
In the final phase, Ganga Kings maintained their composure under pressure, ensuring that Gazab remained at arm’s length and sealing a 44–38 victory. This result was significant during Do-or-Die Week, as Ganga Kings, despite being out of top-four contention, spoiled Gazab Ghaziabad’s qualification push and added another twist to the playoff race.
Other Matches on Day 15
Later on Day 15, matches took place between Lucknow Lions and Brij Stars, Aligarh Tigers and Yamuna Yoddhas, and JD Noida Ninjas and Kashi Kings, each carrying crucial implications for the final league standings.
Recap of Day 14
On Day 14 of UPKL Season 2, high stakes and sharp contrasts emerged as the playoff race intensified. Kashi Kings remained in contention with a composed 44–29 win over Kanpur Warriors, gaining control with a late first-half all-out and managing the game comfortably afterward.
In a tense third match, Purvanchal Panthers edged JD Noida Ninjas via a 6–5 tie-breaker after a 34–34 draw, demonstrating greater clarity in the decider.
Sangam Challengers wrapped up the day emphatically, overwhelming Awadh Ramdoots 57–23, registering five all-outs in a dominant display led by Pankaj Thakur. With only two league days remaining, the race for the top four is finely poised, promising an intense finish.