In a high-stakes semi-final clash of the Women's Hockey India League, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers edged past table-toppers SG Pipers in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The match, which ended 7-6 in sudden death, sets up a grand final rematch between the two sides this Saturday.
A Tactical Gamble in Ranchi
Having already secured their spot in the championship match, SG Pipers and their coach Sophie Gierts made a bold tactical decision for their final league encounter against the Bengal Tigers on Tuesday. They fielded a starting lineup featuring nine Indian players, which is the maximum permitted under the league's regulations. This move was seen as both a test of depth and a strategic preparation for the final.
The match, held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, was a tense, goalless affair for the entire 60 minutes of regulation time. Despite the Pipers' experimental lineup, the two teams went toe to toe, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Solanki's Heroics Not Enough in Shootout Drama
The Bengal Tigers were aggressive from the start, earning their first penalty corner in just the third minute. They dominated possession, made numerous circle entries, and had a total of five penalty corners and three shots on goal. However, they were repeatedly denied by the brilliant performance of young Indian goalkeeper Bansari Solanki.
Solanki's form extended into the penalty shootout, where she made three crucial saves. Yet, the persistence of the Bengal Tigers paid off. In the sudden death round, Sukhveer Kaur scored decisively for the Tigers, while their goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo stopped Pipers' Ishika, sealing a 7-6 victory.
League Standings and Final Showdown
This was the second shootout win for the Bengal Tigers over the Pipers in the competition. With this result, the Tigers solidified second place on the table with 10 points from five matches. The SG Pipers remain at the top with 11 points from the same number of games.
The other two teams, JSW Soorma Hockey Club and Ranchi Royals, have been eliminated from final contention. The remaining league matches will serve as preparation for the two finalists, with Bengal Tigers facing Soorma Hockey Club and Pipers taking on the Royals.
All eyes are now set on Saturday's summit clash, where the Shrachi Bengal Tigers will get another shot at the SG Pipers, this time with the Women's Hockey India League title on the line.
