Bengal Tigers Triumph Over T.N. Dragons in Penalty Shootout to Reach HIL 2024-25 Final
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Synopsis
On January 31, the Bengal Tigers clinched a spot in the final of the Hockey India League (2024-25) after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over the Tamil Nadu Dragons. The match ended 2-2, with the Tigers winning 5-6 in the shootout. Pardeep Singh Sandhu and Sam Lane scored for the Tigers, while Nathan Ephraums and Selvam Karthi netted for the Dragons.
Key Takeaways
- Bengal Tigers reached the final after a dramatic shootout.
- Match ended in a tie at 2-2, leading to penalties.
- Pardeep Singh Sandhu and Sam Lane were key scorers for the Tigers.
- Tigers came back from behind twice during the match.
- The match took place at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
Rourkela, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Bengal Tigers secured their spot in the final of the Hockey India League (2024-25) after a dramatic match against the Tamil Nadu Dragons. The game ended 2-2, with the Tigers winning 5-6 in the penalty shootout at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Friday. In an exhilarating contest, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers made a comeback from trailing twice before forcing the shootout. Pardeep Singh Sandhu (30`) and Sam Lane (53`) netted goals for the Tigers, while Nathan Ephraums (18`) and Selvam Karthi (32`) scored for the Dragons.
After a balanced start, the Tigers' goalkeeper Jamie Carr was tested midway through the first quarter. The Irish goalie reacted swiftly to block a drag flick from Jip Janssen.
A minute later, the Dragons swiftly moved the ball to forward Ganesh Majji, who was unmarked at the post. Carr was quick to intervene and avert danger. In the 14th minute, the Bengal Tigers earned a penalty corner. Jugraj Singh, the league’s second-highest scorer, was thwarted by an outstanding save from goalkeeper David Harte.
The Tigers earned two more penalty corners in the last 30 seconds but could not convert, and the first quarter ended without any goals. The Dragons drew first blood in the 18th minute as Mohammed Raheel made a fantastic run into the circle before assisting Nathan Ephraums, who deflected the ball past Carr.
The Dragons managed the game's pace, keeping possession and frustrating the Tigers. However, the Tigers found their rhythm in the 30th minute, equalizing through Pardeep Singh Sandhu, thanks to a clever play by Abhishek, who set him up for an easy finish.
The Dragons regained the lead early in the third quarter. Anand Lakra entered the circle from the right and assisted Selvam Karthi, who flicked it past Carr. The Tigers faced more challenges in the 34th minute when Sebastien Dockier received a 10-minute suspension for an off-the-ball incident.
Despite being a player down, the Tigers came close to equalizing in the 40th minute when Atul Deep dribbled toward the goal only to hit the post after chipping the ball over Harte. The Tigers organized well and kept the Dragons at bay for most of the third quarter, staying in contention.
The Tigers roared back in the 53rd minute. After a quick free hit, Gauthier Boccard set up Sam Lane, who flicked the ball into the goal. The Tigers thought they had completed the comeback when Jugraj Singh scored from a penalty corner, but the goal was reversed after a review, as the ball was not stopped outside the circle. Both teams fought hard for a winner, but the match went to penalties.
In the shootout, both teams missed two attempts each in their first four tries. After Dockier missed, Ephraums had a chance to clinch it but shot wide. In sudden death, Moritz, Govers, and Ephraums scored for the Dragons, while Sukhjeet Singh, Sean Findlay, Florent van Aubel, and Abhishek converted for the Tigers. Uttam Singh missed his chance, allowing the Tigers to secure their place in the final.
