Hockey India League: Manpreet the star as Mumbai thrash Delhi

Dabang Mumbai’s Diwakar Ram in action against Parwinder Singh of Delhi Waveriders in their HIL-4 match in New Delhi on Tuesday. Mumbai won 8-3.

Dabang Mumbai came up with a scintillating show, scoring four field goals in the final quarter to stun former champions Delhi Waveriders 8-3 in a round-robin match of the Hockey India League Season Four match here on Tuesday evening.

Young Manpreet was the hero, scoring two goals, along with sparkling efforts from upcoming star Nilakanta Sharma and India midfielder Danish Mujtaba, as Mumbai showed class, composure and gumption.

Having played an ultra-defensive game in the first three quarters where they trailed 0-3 with Delhi controlling the pace of the game, Matthew Swann-led Mumbai switched their tactics in the final quarter to turn the match on its head.

Their sudden shift to attack and effortless runs from the flanks threw Delhi off balance and has also put serious question marks on the hosts’ chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Leading 3-0 after three quarters following a field goal from Steven Edwards and drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh, Delhi seemed well on their way to victory having dominated most of the game. Mumbai, till then, had only one penalty corner to show against their name having played a withdrawn, lacklustre game.

The visitors through smelled a chance when Mujtaba pulled one back in the 49th minute (2-3) and what emerged was a team with self-belief and energy. Barely had Delhi settled down, when the sprightly Nilkanta put Mumbai ahead tapping in a high ball past Delhi goalkeeper Devon Manchester (4-3).

Mumbai then took their game up several notches, and for once Delhi had no answers. Home coach Cedric D’Souza threw back his players but Mumbai forwards were unstoppable and found gaps with ease.

Manpreet pulled off two brilliant goals (57th, 58th) to take his team to an exciting 8-3 finish as the crowd watched in disbelief.

Mumbai, who were static at the bottom of the points table since the beginning of this season, thus leapfrogged to fourth place (19 points) ahead of Uttar Pradesh (18) and Delhi (17).

The hosts, who have not missed out on a last four berth in the last three seasons, will have to regroup quickly ahead of their next home match against Ranchi Rays.