In a heart-stopping semi-final clash that went down to the wire, Bengal Tigers secured their place in the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) final after a tense sudden-death penalty shootout victory over SG Pipers. The match, which ended 7-6 after ten attempts each, sets up a grand final rematch between the same two teams on 10th January.
A Nail-Biting Path to the Final
For the second time this league phase, regulation time could not separate Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers. After four goalless quarters, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout to decide who would earn the crucial bonus point. The shootout was equally tense, requiring a sudden death round where the Tigers ultimately prevailed. This victory earned Bengal Tigers two points, which simultaneously eliminated Ranchi Royals from the top-two race. The Pipers had already secured their final berth prior to this match.
This semi-final encounter presented a stark contrast to their first meeting, which was a high-scoring 3-3 draw. The reverse fixture in Ranchi on Tuesday was a defensive masterclass, ending 0-0 after regulation time. The Tigers dominated proceedings, registering a staggering 30 circle entries compared to the Pipers' mere 10. However, the table-topping Pipers adopted a strategy focused on resolute defence, successfully nullifying the Tigers' attacking threats.
Defensive Heroes and Missed Opportunities
The story of the match was written in the defensive circle of the SG Pipers. Goalkeeper Bansari Solanki put on a spectacular performance, making a series of crucial saves to keep her team in the contest. Her heroics were complemented by excellent first-rushing from defender Sunelita Toppo, which effectively shut down the penalty corner threats of the tournament's leading scorer, Agustina Gorzelany of the Tigers.
Despite overwhelming possession and territory, the Bengal Tigers failed to convert their dominance into goals. Captain Lalremsiami was denied by Solanki in a one-on-one situation early in the fourth quarter. Star striker Vandana Katariya also saw a powerful close-range shot saved. The Tigers' frustration was compounded in the dying seconds when they earned a final penalty corner with just eight seconds on the clock but could not find the winning goal, forcing the shootout.
For SG Pipers, attacker Navneet Kaur had an unusually quiet game, as her team struggled to build sustained offensive pressure. The Pipers only stepped up their attacking intent in the closing minutes but failed to create any clear-cut chances.
All to Play for in the Final Showdown
The stage is now set for a thrilling championship decider. Interestingly, both teams that missed the final in the inaugural Women's HIL season have now fought their way to the title clash in the second edition. The final, scheduled for January 10, promises to be a captivating contest. Will the Bengal Tigers carry the momentum from their dramatic semi-final win, or will the SG Pipers, with their formidable defence, find a way to unlock their attacking potential and claim the trophy? Hockey fans are in for a spectacular finale.
