Confident Gujarat Giants will cross swords with Jaipur Pink Panthers in their final league match of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 9 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, December 9.
The Dong Geon Lee-led Giants head into the final league game brimming with confidence as the two-time PKL finalists are currently on a four-match winning streak and will fancy their chances against Jaipur Pink Panthers to squeeze into the Season 9 playoffs.
Having registered nine wins, 11 defeats and one tie, the Ram Mehar Singh-coached Giants are currently placed seventh in the PKL Season 9 standings with 56 points from 21 games.
As Jaipur Pink Panthers, Puneri Paltan, Bengaluru Bulls, U.P. Yoddhas and Tamil Thalaivas have already qualified for the playoffs, four teams - Gujarat Giants, Dabang Delhi K.C, Haryana Steelers and Bengal Warriors - are vying for the remaining playoff spot.
Meanwhile, the Giants will hope their star all-rounder Parteek Dahiya can continue his scintillating form against the Pink Panthers on Friday. Parteek has been sensational for the Giants on his debut season, accumulating 166 raid points in 18 matches including 10 Super 10s so far.
On the other hand, riding on a five-match winning streak in the ongoing Hyderabad leg, Jaipur Pink Panthers have already confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
With 79 points from 21 matches, the inaugural PKL champions are currently at the top of the standings and will aim to finish the league phase on a high.
Under coach Sanjeev Baliyan, star raider Arjun Deshwal has been the standout player for the Pink Panthers in PKL 9, amassing 269 raid points in 21 games - the most by any player this season.
How can Gujarat Giants qualify for Pro Kabaddi League Season 9 playoffs?
Gujarat Giants’ fate for the PKL Season 9 playoffs will depend on the outcome of the Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Bengal Warriors match on Thursday.
While the Giants need to win their final league match against the Pink Panthers, they will hope defending champions Dabang Delhi lose their game against Bengal Warriors by more than seven points.
A win or a tie for Delhi will knock the Giants out of PKL Season 9 playoffs contention.
Gujarat Giants vs Jaipur Pink Panthers head-to-head
Gujarat Giants have a superior head-to-head record against Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League, winning six of the 11 matches that they have played so far. The Pink Panthers have registered four victories while one game ended in a tie.
However, the Giants went down to the Pink Panthers 18-25 in their previous meeting in a PKL Season 9 fixture at the Shree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru in October.
In-form Gujarat Giants will aim to continue their winning streak when they face Jaipur Pink Panthers on Friday.
