In a heart-pounding clash at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers staged a remarkable late surge to overcome a two-goal deficit and secure a 3-2 victory over the SG Pipers in Match 22 of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. This final pool stage encounter, played on January 18, 2026, showcased the intensity and unpredictability of top-tier field hockey, with both teams battling for crucial points in their quest for a top-four finish.
The Tigers’ resilience not only kept their title aspirations alive but also highlighted the league’s competitive spirit. With sharp passing, defensive heroics, and clinical finishing, this match had it all—early dominance by the Pipers, missed opportunities, and a dramatic fourth-quarter turnaround.
Early Dominance: SG Pipers Strike First
The game burst into life right from the whistle. In the 4th minute, SG Pipers’ Dilraj Singh opened the scoring with a clinical reverse-hit from close range. The goal came from a sweeping move initiated from the back, with Aditya Lalage delivering a precise pass that carved open the Tigers’ defense.
Building on their momentum, the Pipers extended their lead in the 31st minute via a penalty corner. Argentine drag-flick specialist Tomas Domene unleashed a powerful shot from the top of the circle, which deflected off Tigers’ defender Abhishek and trickled into the net. At this point, the Pipers looked in control, with goalkeeper Pawan making crucial saves to deny the Tigers’ advances, including parrying a one-handed close-range shot from Sukhjeet Singh just before halftime.
The first half was marked by end-to-end action. The Tigers started strongly with slick link-up play but squandered chances, such as Christopher Ruhr’s thunderous strike from outside the circle that sailed wide in the 14th minute. Gursewak Singh also found himself wide open in the circle but couldn’t convert, thanks to Pawan’s alertness.
Tigers’ Roar: A Stunning Fourth-Quarter Revival
The third quarter saw the Tigers ramp up their pressure, earning multiple penalty corners. However, Pawan’s heroics continued to frustrate them until the 45th minute, when Jugraj Singh finally broke through. Flicking Abhishek’s injection from a penalty corner, Jugraj slotted the ball home to reduce the deficit.
Mere seconds later, the Tigers leveled the score in spectacular fashion. Abhishek controlled an ambitious long ball from Boccard Gauthier with expert touch and fired a sizzling shot past the goalkeeper, igniting the crowd and shifting the momentum decisively.
The comeback was complete in the 48th minute. On a swift breakaway, Sukhjeet Singh threaded a quick pass to Affan Yousuf, who slapped the ball into the bottom corner with plenty of space to exploit. This go-ahead goal sealed the 3-2 win, turning what seemed like a comfortable Pipers victory into a Tigers triumph.
Standout Performances
- Dilraj Singh (SG Pipers): His early goal set the tone, demonstrating his finishing prowess and ability to capitalize on team plays.
- Tomas Domene (SG Pipers): The penalty corner expert added to his tally, proving why he’s a key asset in set-piece situations.
- Abhishek (Shrachi Bengal Tigers): A dual threat—assisting on the penalty corner and scoring the equalizer—his performance was pivotal in the revival.
- Jugraj Singh and Affan Yousuf (Shrachi Bengal Tigers): Their goals in the crucial moments underlined the team’s depth and composure under pressure.
- Pawan (SG Pipers Goalkeeper): Despite the loss, his multiple saves, including denying Sukhjeet and Gursewak, kept his team in the game for long stretches.
- Sean Findlay (Shrachi Bengal Tigers): Made a vital save on a Pipers penalty corner, preventing an even larger early lead.
The Tigers’ ability to probe with penalty corners and quick transitions in the final quarter was the difference-maker, while the Pipers will rue missed opportunities to close out the game earlier.
Implications and Looking Ahead
This victory propels the Shrachi Bengal Tigers closer to securing a spot in the knockout stages, bolstering their title bid in the 2025-26 season. For the SG Pipers, it’s a tough lesson in maintaining leads, but their early dominance shows they remain a formidable force.
Fans can catch all the action from the Hero Hockey India League live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, DD Sports, or stream it on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel. The league continues with exciting matchups, including Vedanta Kalinga Lancers vs Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 heats up!
Video Source: YouTube
