Shrachi Bengal Tigers once again showed remarkable composure under pressure as they defeated SG Pipers 0-0 (7-6 SO) in sudden death to secure a crucial bonus point and confirm their place in the final of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26.
In an uncanny repeat of their earlier league-stage encounter, the match followed an identical script — a goalless regulation time followed by a tense shootout, with the Tigers emerging victorious yet again. While the result had no bearing on SG Pipers’ qualification having already sealed their final berth courtesy of an unassailable lead at the top of the table the contest carried immense significance for the Tigers. The shootout win ensured they finished strong and booked a rematch against the same opponents in the summit clash scheduled for January 10.
Cagey Start and Early Exchanges
The opening quarter set the tone for what would be a tightly contested affair. Both teams displayed early attacking intent, trading swift passing moves and circle penetrations. Shrachi Bengal Tigers earned a penalty corner inside the first three minutes but failed to capitalise, allowing SG Pipers to gradually settle into possession.
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The Pipers responded by asserting control through midfield, moving the ball quickly across the width and testing the Tigers’ defensive structure with multiple entries into the circle. Despite the end-to-end nature of the opening exchanges, disciplined defending from both sides ensured that the first quarter ended goalless.
Bansari Solanki Stands Tall
The second quarter belonged largely to the Tigers, who raised the tempo and applied sustained pressure deep inside the Pipers’ half. A series of attacking moves resulted in another penalty corner opportunity, but SG Pipers goalkeeper Bansari Solanki emerged as the standout performer, producing a string of sharp saves to keep her side level.
Time and again, the Tigers camped around the Pipers’ circle, probing for an opening, but Solanki’s anticipation and positioning denied them any breakthrough. Despite the territorial dominance enjoyed by Shrachi Bengal Tigers, the scoreline remained unchanged at 0-0 heading into half-time.
Tigers Push, Pipers Hold Firm
The Tigers continued their aggressive approach after the break. Early in the third quarter, experienced forward Vandana Katariya burst into the circle and unleashed a powerful close-range effort, only to be denied by yet another excellent save from Solanki, who was fast becoming an immovable presence between the posts. Shrachi Bengal Tigers maintained their attacking rhythm with repeated entries and quick transitions, but SG Pipers absorbed the pressure calmly. The league leaders also attempted to counter through swift breaks of their own, though clear-cut chances remained scarce. As the third quarter concluded, the deadlock persisted.
The fourth quarter brought with it a sense of urgency, particularly from the Tigers, who knew a shootout victory would be enough to confirm their final berth. Captain Lalremsiami came agonisingly close early in the quarter when she found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Solanki once again rose to the occasion with a timely intervention.
As the minutes ticked away, the Tigers continued to press, forcing the Pipers into deeper defensive positions. SG Pipers, sensing an opportunity late on, briefly increased their attacking intent but were unable to fashion a decisive chance.
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With just eight seconds remaining on the clock, Shrachi Bengal Tigers earned a late penalty corner a potential match-winning moment. However, they failed to convert, and regulation time ended in a goalless draw, pushing the contest into a shootout.
The shootout mirrored the evenly matched nature of the contest. For the Tigers, Purnima Yadav and Noor de Baat found the back of the net, while SG Pipers responded through Juana Castellaro and Kaitlin Nobbs, leaving the scores locked at 2-2 after the initial attempts. The stalemate forced the match into sudden death, where nerves were tested to the limit. Shrachi Bengal Tigers showed exemplary composure, converting all five of their attempts. SG Pipers, despite a valiant effort, managed four from five, handing the Tigers another narrow shootout victory.
Final Rematch Beckons
The shootout win earned Shrachi Bengal Tigers a valuable bonus point and sealed their qualification for the Women’s Hero HIL final, where they will face SG Pipers once again. Having beaten the table-toppers twice in identical fashion, the Tigers will carry confidence into the summit clash, while the Pipers will be keen to finally turn the tide.
If this encounter was any indication, the final promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two evenly matched sides, where fine margins and mental strength could once again decide the outcome.
