Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers became the first team to secure a spot in the Hockey India League (HIL) semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Delhi SG Pipers at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday.
The Pipers, who have been eliminated from semifinal contention, took the lead in the 27th minute through Tomas Domene. Driving through the midfield, Domene unleashed a powerful reverse hit that flew into the roof of the net, leaving Tigers’ goalkeeper Jamie Carr with no chance.
Despite holding the lead for most of the game, the Pipers faltered in the final minutes — a recurring theme this season as they lost their sixth match after leading. The Tigers broke through in the 55th minute when a clever penalty corner variation gave captain Rupinder Pal Singh the space to fire a low drag-flick into the corner.
With just two minutes remaining, Gurswak Singh surged into the circle from the right flank and delivered a perfect pass to Sebastien Dockier, who deflected the ball into the net for the match-winner, sealing a memorable comeback for the Tigers.
Harmanpreet Singh Shines in Soorma’s Comeback Win
In the second match of the evening, a sensational performance from Harmanpreet Singh led JSW Soorma Hockey Club to a 5-3 comeback win over Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, propelling them to third place in the standings.
The Lancers took an early lead in the fifth minute when Dilpreet Singh scored with a reverse hit amidst a crowded circle. Despite dominating the opening phase, the Lancers couldn’t maintain their momentum as Soorma struck back.
Harmanpreet showcased his playmaking abilities in the 26th minute, delivering a precise pass from the halfway line that Prabhjot Singh deflected in to level the score.
The second half belonged to Harmanpreet, who scored twice from penalty corners in the 32nd and 54th minutes. He also set up Nicolas Keenan for a thunderous tomahawk strike in the 33rd minute, giving Soorma a comfortable lead. Maninder Singh added a fifth goal in the 51st minute, sealing the victory.
The Lancers tried to mount a late rally, with Thierry Brinkman scoring in the 44th minute and assisting Gursahibjit Singh for a 56th-minute goal, but they couldn’t overturn the deficit.
Results:
- Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 2 (Rupinder Pal Singh 55’, Sebastien Dockier 59’) beat Delhi SG Pipers 1 (Tomas Domene 27’)
- JSW Soorma Hockey Club 5 (Prabhjot Singh 26’, Harmanpreet Singh 32’, 54’, Nicolas Keenan 33’, Maninder Singh 51’) beat Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 3 (Dilpreet Singh 5’, Thierry Brinkman 44’, Gursahibjit Singh 56’)
