A stunning late burst of goals powered Shrachi Bengal Tigers to a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over SG Pipers in their final pool-stage match of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
Trailing 0–2 deep into the third quarter, the Tigers struck three times in a frenetic four-minute spell to keep their slim hopes of a top-four finish alive. Goals from Jugraj Singh and Abhishek in the 45th minute, followed by Affan Yousuf’s decisive strike in the 48th, turned the contest on its head after the Pipers had looked firmly in control through much of the match. Earlier, Dilraj Singh and Tomas Domene had put SG Pipers in a commanding position, but the Tigers’ refusal to relent ultimately proved decisive.
The match began with the Tigers showing intent through sharp passing and fluid movement across the midfield. However, their early attacking ambition left gaps at the back, and the Pipers were quick to capitalise. In just the fourth minute, a sweeping move from defence caught the Tigers off guard. Aditya Lalage surged forward and delivered a precise pass into the circle, where Dilraj Singh reacted sharply to finish with a reverse hit from close range, giving the Pipers an early lead.
The Pipers nearly doubled their advantage soon after from a penalty corner, but a crucial intervention at the post by Sean Findlay denied them. The Tigers responded with increased urgency and came close to levelling the score in the 14th minute when Christopher Ruhr unleashed a thunderous strike from just outside the circle, only to see the ball flash wide.
The second quarter developed into an end-to-end battle, with both sides trading attacks. The Tigers created several promising openings, particularly down the flanks, and nearly found the equaliser when Findlay picked out Gursewak Singh unmarked in the circle. However, the resulting effort was dealt with confidently by Pipers goalkeeper Pawan, who was beginning to emerge as a key figure in the contest.
Pawan was called into action again on the stroke of half-time, producing a sharp save to deny Sukhjeet’s one-handed effort from close range. Despite making repeated circle entries and sustaining pressure for long spells, the Tigers went into the break trailing by a single goal, frustrated by their inability to convert dominance into goals.
The Pipers struck a significant blow early in the third quarter to extend their lead. From a penalty corner, Tomas Domene fired a powerful attempt from the top of the circle. The ball took a deflection off first runner Abhishek and trickled into the net, making it 2–0 and seemingly placing the Pipers firmly in control of the contest.
What followed, however, was a remarkable shift in momentum. The Tigers intensified their pressure, earning multiple penalty corners, but Pawan stood tall with a series of impressive saves. The breakthrough finally came in the 45th minute. From another set piece, Jugraj Singh showed composure and precision, flicking Abhishek’s injection past the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit and breathe life back into the Tigers’ campaign.
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Barely moments later, the stadium erupted as the Tigers drew level. A bold long ball from Boccard Gauthier was superbly controlled by Abhishek inside the circle. The forward then unleashed a sizzling shot that rocketed past Pawan before the defence could react, making it 2–2 and completely altering the complexion of the match.
Riding the wave of momentum, the Tigers completed the comeback in the 48th minute. A swift counterattack caught the Pipers scrambling, and Sukhjeet threaded a perfectly weighted pass into space for Affan Yousuf. With time and room to compose himself, Affan made no mistake, slapping the ball into the bottom corner to put the Tigers ahead for the first time in the match.
The remaining minutes saw the Pipers push desperately for an equaliser, throwing bodies forward in search of parity. However, the Tigers defended resolutely, managing possession smartly and disrupting the Pipers’ rhythm to close out a memorable victory.
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The win keeps Shrachi Bengal Tigers in contention, albeit with only a narrow pathway to the semifinals, while the Pipers were left to rue missed opportunities and a dramatic loss of control in the final quarter. The evening’s action at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium continues with Vedanta Kalinga Lancers set to face the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons later tonight, as the league phase edges closer to its decisive stages.
