HIL 4: Warriors to face Kalinga for title

Punjab’s Sardar Singh (right) in action against Delhi in their first semi-final in Ranchi on Saturday. Punjab won 3-1.

Jaypee 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 semi-final here on Saturday.

The Warriors will face Kalinga Lancers, who ousted defending champions Ranchi Rays 4-2 (via a penalty shootout), in the summit clash on Sunday. It will be a maiden final appearance for Kalinga.

Both teams looked for counter-attacking opportunities and the first major chance came Delhi’s way in the 6th minute through a penalty corner, which was converted effectively by Rupinder Pal Singh to give the team an early lead.

Delhi maintained their lead at the end of the first quarter, and the second quarter expectedly saw Punjab Warriors pressing hard to establish equilibrium. Punjab efforts paid dividends in the 19th minute when young striker Armaan Qureshi netted the ball through a reverse flick shot that beat Devon Manchester.

Punjab kept up the pressure for most of the fourth quarter also with a strong ball possession. Simon Orchard converted a penalty corner in the 51st minute that gave Punjab a two-goal cushion.

The second semi–final was a nail-biter. Lancers held their nerves to come out victorious after the score was tied at 2-2 at the end of four quarters. Aran Zalewski converted the winner for Lancers.