The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Delhi SG Pipers in a shootout in the Men's Hero Hockey India League 2024-25. Initially trailing 1-4 at halftime, the Lancers rallied with goals from Alexander Hendrickx (13’, 52’), Thierry Brinkman (35’, 47’), and Angad Bir Singh (49’) to level the score at 5-5. Subsequently, they won the shootout 3-2, securing the bonus point. Despite strong goals from Tomas Domene (18’, 20’), Corey Weyer (21’), Koji Yamasaki (23’), and Dilraj Singh (37’), the SG Pipers are still searching for their first win of the season.

SG Pipers Strike First

The SG Pipers came out strong, eager for revenge after their previous loss to the Lancers. They earned a penalty corner early on, but Jarmanpreet Singh’s slapshot was saved by Kalinga’s goalkeeper Krishan Pathak. However, the Lancers broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Hendrickx’s dragflick deflected off Rohit’s boot and found the net, a stroke of luck for the Lancers.

SG Pipers Surge Ahead

Following that, the SG Pipers quickly turned the game around in the second quarter. First, Domene equalized with a dragflick in the 18th minute. Then, he added another two minutes later to put the Pipers ahead. Shortly after, Weyer made it 3-1 with a goal from close range. Additionally, Yamasaki, the first Japanese player to score in the league, added a fourth goal with a deflection.

Lancers Fight Back

Despite trailing by three, the Lancers showed resilience and started their comeback in the third quarter. Brinkman scored in the 35th minute, tapping in after the goalkeeper came off his line. However, Dilraj Singh quickly restored the Pipers’ lead, making it 5-2 with a cool finish after a pass from Domene.

Lancers Complete the Comeback

Undeterred, the Lancers continued their fightback. Brinkman scored again in the 47th minute, cutting the Pipers’ lead to 5-3. Furthermore, Angad Bir Singh added another goal in the 49th minute, bringing it to 5-4. Hendrickx completed the comeback in the 52nd minute with a brilliant dragflick to level the score at 5-5.

Shootout Drama

As a result, the match went into a shootout after neither team scored in the final minutes. The shootout ended 2-2, with the pressure mounting on Pawan of the SG Pipers. He fouled Dilpreet, resulting in a penalty stroke. Hendrickx converted it to give the Lancers a 3-2 lead. Ultimately, the Lancers won the shootout, with goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill making a crucial save.

Upcoming Matches

Looking ahead, the next round of the Hero Hockey India League will feature JSW Soorma Hockey Club against the Delhi SG Pipers in the women’s match at 6:00 PM. Then, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers will face the JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the men’s match at 8:15 PM.