In a nail-biting encounter, Gujarat Giants lost 26-27 to Patna Pirates in Pro Kabaddi Season 8 at the Sheraton Grand, Whitefield in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Patna Pirates’ calm and calculated approach enabled them to take the match into the final raid with a lead of two as captain Prashanth Kumar Rai safely negotiated the do or die raid to strategically run the clock down and help Patna win the match by a solitary point.

For Gujarat Giants, Mahendra Rajput led with seven raid points while Ankit was the top defender with three tackle points. Rakesh Narwal managed six points with his all-round effort.

Prashanth Kumar Rai starred for Patna Pirates with eight raid points whereas Sajin C managed a high 5 with five tackle points including two super tackles.

Gujarat Giants succumbed to their third straight loss of the season taking their winless streak to six matches so far. They are currently ninth in the Pro Kabaddi standings with 15 points.

In the match, Gujarat Giants gained a two-point lead in the first minute although Patna Pirates stormed back with five back-to-back points to reduce Gujarat to just one player on the mat.

Substitute Mahendra Rajput saved the Giants from the blushes by returning with a touch point. However, Prashanth Rai got Parvesh Bhainswal out on the next raid to reduce Gujarat back to one man. The see-saw battle between the two sides continued as both teams leaked points through their defense. However, Patna Pirates managed to inflict an all-out at the stroke of halftime to lead 15-13.

Gujarat Giants came back strong in the second half to reduce the deficit and gain a slender lead although Sajin C’s multiple super tackles ensured Gujarat did not run away with the match.

With five minutes left on the clock, however, Prashanth Rai produced a crucial two-point raid to swing the momentum back in Patna Pirates favour allowing them to hold on to their lead and extend their unbeaten streak to six matches this season.

Gujarat Giants will play Telugu Titans next on Tuesday.