Indian Badminton League Match
It was a completely fun packed weekend start for Indian Badminton League fans with two back to back games on Saturday. The matches were played at Lucknow. The first was between Krrish Delhi Smashers and Hyderabad Hotshots. It was a very important game for Krrish Delhi Smashers after losing their first game against Pune Pistons, but they kept their nerves tight in a crucial game and came out with emphatic colors. The game started in the favour of Hyderabad Hotshots after they won first two games i.e., Men’s singles and Women’s singles. But after that, KDS came back very strongly and won three matches in a row to get a lead of 3-2. The only reason that seems plausible in my opinion for Hyderabad Hotshots lose is that they try out new team in doubles. But even after losing a game, Hyderabad Hotshots are maintaining their second position on points table. For this match, Prajakta Sawant from Krrish Delhi Smashers was declared as the Vodafone Player of the Tie.
The second game of the day was between Pune Pistons and Mumbai Beats. Both the teams came strongly in this match after a win in their respective first game. The game started with a win for Mumbai Beats in Men’s Single. In the very next match, Pune Pistons strike back with a win in Women’s Single. This match showed Juliane Schenk at her best. After losing her first set with a score of 11 – 21, she fought back strongly after winning both the next sets with a score of 21 – 10 and 11 – 7. The scores were 2 – 2, till the fourth match. Both teams showed what they are capable of doing. But, in the end it was Pune’s day who won the last game i.e., mixed doubles. Vladmir Ivanov of Mumbai Masters was at his best in this match. He won both the matches i.e., Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles. He was selected as the Vodafone Player of the Tie. With this win, Pune Pistons are on the top of the table. They have won both the games and that too with a bonus point in both of them. Mumbai Masters are on the third position. The good news for Mumbai Masters supporter is that Lee Chong Wei is going to join the team from the next match.
Preview for Banga Beats v/s Awadhe Warriors (2000 hrs)
This will be the last match in Lucknow. Both the teams have started the league with a loss. So, a win for them will ensure a good position for them on the points table. The key players in this match will be P.V. Sindhu and Tai TZU YING. In my opinion, Banga Beats looks strong on paper, but if they take Awadhe Warriors lightly, then it will be at their own peril. Awadhe Warriors will look to change their strategy in this game. Don’t miss the complete action and we will be back with the review of this entertaining game very soon!