last year’s losing finalists U Mumba would look to use all the aces against giant-killers Patna Pirates when the two teams clash in the second semi-final of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi league here on Friday.
In another semi-final, Telugu Titans, who finished second in the league table behind U Mumba, will cross swords with Bengaluru Bulls, who seem to hold a slight edge, having won both their league clashes against their Hyderabad rivals.
U Mumba, who lost just two games in the league phase of the tournament, have a well-balanced outfit spearheaded by their best player and captain Anup Kumar.
Kumar has said at a pre-match press conference that the team would be disappointed if it fails to clinch the title in second edition of the league.
“Patna Pirates is a good team with a number of young players. It will be a tough game. We have a good team and we will try our best to win the trophy. I will be very disappointed if we don’t go on to clinch the title,” said the India international and Incheon Asian Games gold medallist.
Pirates have done very well in the tournament so far, especially when they knocked out defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers on Wednesday to reach the last four stage.
Pirates’ captain Sandeep Narwal promised their defence would hold up and tame the high-flying Mumbai side.
Pirates, who finished fourth in the league with seven wins and six losses for a grand tally of 41 points, would also be missing Ravi Dalal. The Titans, who missed qualifying last season, have had a very good outing so far, barring their contests against their Bengaluru rivals.