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Ranchi, Punjab Warriors entered the final of the Hockey India League for the third consecutive year after posting a 3-1 victory over Delhi Waveriders in the first semifinal here today.
The Warriors will face Kalinga Lancers, who beat defending champions Ranchi Rays 6-4 in a shootout after the match ended 2-2, in the final on Sunday.
The first quarter of the game started with both teams playing cautiously, observing the game plan of each other.
Both teams looked for counter attacking opportunities and the first major chance came Delhi’s way in the sixth minute through a penalty corner, which was converted effectively by Rupinder Pal Singh. This was Rupinder’s 12th goal of the tournament. The second quarter expectedly saw Punjab Warriors pressing hard for a goal. Punjab’s efforts paid dividends in the 19th minute when young striker Armaan Qureshi found the corner of the goal with a reverse hit. The field goal helped Punjab take a 2-1 lead. They got another opportunity to extend the lead in the 27th minute but failed to convert the penalty corner chance.
The Punjab side kept the pressure on Delhi, with SV Sunil making two good circle penetrations. The first half ended with the Warriors leading 2-1.
Punjab continued to dominate in the third quarter. However, Delhi came close to scoring in the 39th minute — Justin Reid Ross’ deflection went just wide. Punjab absorbed the Delhi pressure throughout the fourth quarter.
They looked for counter attacks. The tactic worked as Chris Ciriello scooped the ball from across the field to Gurwinder Singh Chandi in the rival circle. Chandi won a penalty corner. After an interception from the rusher the ball came back to Punjab. A couple of passes later, Punjab found the goal through Simon Orchard in the 51st minute.
