Ranchi, Jan 6 (NationPress) Shrachi Bengal Tigers displayed remarkable composure as they narrowly defeated SG Pipers in a thrilling encounter of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26, ending the match 0-0 (7-6 SO) after a tense shootout followed a goalless draw in regular time. This victory secured their spot in the league final.

The match mirrored their previous clash, unfolding in a similar fashion where the Tigers once again triumphed in sudden death, earning a vital bonus point and confirming their place in the championship match.

For the Pipers, this game was a formality as they had already qualified for the Women’s HIL 2025-26 final due to their impressive performance throughout the season.

The opening quarter was marked by a back-and-forth battle as both teams exchanged early attacks. The Tigers earned a penalty corner within the first three minutes but failed to capitalize. The Pipers took over possession, moving the ball swiftly and generating several circle entries to challenge the Tigers’ defense. Despite both teams' efforts, the first quarter concluded with no goals.

In the second quarter, the Tigers intensified their assault on the Pipers’ defense, earning multiple penalty corners. However, Bansari Solanki, the Pipers’ goalkeeper, showcased her skills with several outstanding saves, keeping the score 0-0 at halftime despite the Tigers' relentless pressure.

The third quarter began with the Tigers pushing forward aggressively, creating a golden opportunity when Vandana Katariya charged into the circle, only to be thwarted by another excellent save from Solanki. The Tigers continued their offensive, but the Pipers also attempted a few attacks, resulting in another goalless quarter.

As the fourth quarter commenced, the Tigers almost broke the deadlock again when their captain, Lalremsiami, found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, yet Solanki's timely intervention kept the match level. The Tigers maintained their offensive pressure with repeated circle penetrations, but the Pipers held strong defensively. In the closing moments, the Tigers earned a late penalty corner but failed to convert, leading to a shootout.

During the shootout, only Purnima Yadav and Noor de Baat scored for the Tigers, while the Pipers found success with Juana Castellaro and Kaitlin Nobbs, resulting in a 2-2 tie.

This deadlock necessitated sudden death, where the Tigers flawlessly converted all five of their attempts, while the Pipers managed four out of five. This victory granted the Shrachi Bengal Tigers a crucial bonus point and assured their place in the finals against the SG Pipers once more on January 10.