In a nail-biting Pro Kabaddi League clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Bengaluru Bulls and Patna Pirates fought to an exhilarating 32-32 tie on Thursday night. The match at Delhi’s Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium showcased why PKL has become one of India’s most thrilling sports spectacles, with both teams giving their all in a contest that could significantly impact the playoff landscape.
Match Highlights: A Rollercoaster of Momentum Swings
The Bengaluru Bulls entered Thursday’s contest as favorites, sitting comfortably in fourth position in the PKL standings with 8 wins from 15 matches . Meanwhile, the Patna Pirates – once the most dominant franchise in PKL history with three consecutive championships from Season 3-5 – have struggled throughout Season 12, managing only four wins from fourteen matches prior to this encounter .
From the first whistle, it was clear this would be no ordinary match. The Bulls, under the guidance of new coach BC Ramesh, have impressed this season with their young and energetic squad . Meanwhile, the Pirates, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, displayed the desperation of a team fighting to keep their season alive.
The momentum swung back and forth throughout the intense matchup, with neither team able to establish a decisive advantage. When the final whistle blew, both squads had accumulated 32 points apiece in one of the most evenly-matched contests of PKL Season 12 .
Top Performers from an Epic Encounter
While the teams finished level, several individual performances stood out:
Bengaluru Bulls:
- Alireza Mirzaian delivered an outstanding all-round performance, contributing 17 points with 11 touch points and 6 bonus points .
- Akash Shinde added 2 crucial points for the Bulls .
Patna Pirates:
- The Pirates showcased a balanced team effort with multiple contributors stepping up when needed.
- Their defensive unit put up a resilient performance against the formidable Bulls raiding department.
Key Players from Bengaluru Bulls vs Patna Pirates (October 16, 2025)
| Player | Team | Points | Touch Points | Bonus Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alireza Mirzaian | Bengaluru Bulls | 17 | 11 | 6 |
| Akash Shinde | Bengaluru Bulls | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Aashish Malik | Bengaluru Bulls | 2 | 1 | 0 |
What This Result Means for the PKL Standings
For the Bengaluru Bulls, the single point from the tie maintains their strong position in the upper tier of the PKL Season 12 standings. The Bulls now have 16 points from 16 matches, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a direct playoff berth .
The Patna Pirates, while still positioned near the bottom of the table, gained a valuable point from the tie that keeps their faint playoff hopes alive. The Pirates now have 8 points from 15 matches , and in the competitive landscape of PKL, every point matters as teams jockey for position in the final stretch of the season.
The current PKL standings show:
- Puneri Paltan continue to lead the table with 26 points from 16 matches
- Dabang Delhi K.C. sit in second place with 24 points from 15 matches
- Bengaluru Bulls hold fourth position with 16 points
- Patna Pirates remain in twelfth position with 8 points
Historical Context: Bulls vs Pirates Rivalry
Thursday’s tie adds another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between these two franchises. Historically, the Pirates have dominated this matchup with 14 wins from their 26 previous encounters, compared to 8 wins for the Bulls, with 4 matches ending tied .
The Pirates’ legacy as one of PKL‘s most successful franchises – they remain the only team to win three consecutive PKL championships (Season 3, 4, and 5) – adds poignancy to their current struggles. Meanwhile, the Bulls, who claimed their lone championship in Season 6 , are building what looks like a sustainable contender with their current roster.
Where to Watch PKL Live
For fans who don’t want to miss any of the PKL action, the Star Sports Network telecasts matches live in India, while live streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website . The league continues to deliver thrilling encounters nearly every day as the playoff race intensifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Bengaluru Bulls vs Patna Pirates PKL match on October 16?
The Bengaluru Bulls and Patna Pirates played to a thrilling 32-32 tie in their Pro Kabaddi League match on October 16, 2025. Both teams earned a single point in the PKL standings as a result .
Where can I watch Pro Kabaddi League matches live?
PKL matches are telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Live streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website . International viewers should check local sports broadcasting platforms for availability.
How have Patna Pirates performed in PKL Season 12?
The Patna Pirates have struggled in PKL Season 12, with the team sitting at the bottom of the points table. Before the October 16 match against Bengaluru Bulls, they had won only 4 matches out of 14 played . Their three championship wins in Seasons 3, 4, and 5 remain their legacy achievements .
Who were the standout performers in the Bulls vs Pirates match?
Alireza Mirzaian of Bengaluru Bulls delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 17 points with 11 touch points and 6 bonus points . The Patna Pirates showed a balanced team effort with multiple players contributing to their tally.
What is the position of Bengaluru Bulls in the PKL points table?
Following their tie against Patna Pirates, the Bengaluru Bulls maintain fourth position in the PKL Season 12 points table with 16 points from 16 matches, keeping them in contention for a direct playoff berth .
The Road Ahead
As PKL Season 12 progresses toward the playoffs, every match becomes increasingly significant. For the Bengaluru Bulls, the focus remains on securing a top-four position and potentially challenging for their second PKL championship. For the Patna Pirates, the mission is to build on the momentum from this hard-fought tie and attempt to climb out of the bottom of the table.
The beauty of kabaddi lies in its unpredictability – on any given day, any team can rise to the occasion. If Thursday’s match proved anything, it’s that despite their differing fortunes this season, both the Bulls and Pirates can deliver kabaddi at its breathtaking best.
What did you think of this thrilling tie between Bengaluru Bulls and Patna Pirates? Which PKL matchup are you most looking forward to in the coming days? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
