Pardeep Kumar racked up seven raid points but lack of support from other players meant Gujarat Giants went down 22-41 against Dabang Delhi K.C. in Pro Kabaddi Season 8 at the Sheraton Grand, Whitefield in Bengaluru on Saturday.

In-form raider Pardeep Kumar top-scored for Gujarat while Rakesh Narwal and Rakesh Sungroya added three points each. Girish Ernak was the best defender for the Giants with two tackle points.

For Dabang Delhi K.C., Vijay scored eight raid points while Krishan Dhull and Manjeet Chhillar registered a high 5 each.

Dabang Delhi K.C. started the match in an aggressive fashion to gain an early lead and soon managed to inflict an early all-out on Gujarat within the first 10 minutes to gain a healthy 14-6 lead.

Gujarat looked to make a comeback after their first all-out but Delhi’s defence led by Manjeet Chhillar made sure Delhi remained in the ascendency leading 22-11 at the end of the first half.

Gujarat Giants’ started the second half on a positive note with Pardeep Kumar and substitute Bhuvneshwar Gaur getting points off successive raids looking to reduce the deficit.

However, the Delhi defence prevented Gujarat from staging a comeback and soon managed to inflict a second all-out and extend the lead to 16 points.

Pardeep Kumar looked like a man on a mission as he returned with points off back-to-back raids and got some much-needed support from Rakesh Sungroya, who registered two raid points in as many raids. However, the lack of support from the defensive unit allowed Delhi to build on the lead and eventually cruise to a 41-22 victory.

Gujarat are placed at the 11th spot in the PKL standings with 28 points from 12 matches. Meanwhile, the win took Dabang Delhi K.C. to the pole position with 48 points from 14 outings.

Gujarat Giants play Haryana Steelers next on Monday.