Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured their second straight win with a close 2-1 victory over Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. The match was played at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore on Thursday.

The contest stayed goalless for three quarters. However, late goals from Alexander Hendrickx and Boby Singh Dhami helped the Lancers claim all three points. Affan Yousuf scored the lone goal for the Tigers.

Lancers Dominate Early but Miss Chances

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers started aggressively and controlled the opening exchanges. They enjoyed most of the possession and entered the attacking circle 11 times. In contrast, Shrachi Bengal Tigers managed only a few circle entries.

The Lancers created early pressure and tested goalkeeper James Carr with a couple of shots. Still, they failed to find a clear opening. Apart from a single penalty corner, the first quarter ended without a goal.

Tigers Fight Back Before the Break

Shrachi Bengal Tigers improved in the second quarter and began to assert themselves in attack. They registered nine circle entries and took four shots during the period.

However, Lancers goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak stood firm. He made several outstanding saves to keep his team level. Despite both sides playing at a high tempo and creating chances, neither team could score in the first half.

Deadlock Continues Into Final Quarter

The Tigers carried their momentum into the third quarter. They pushed the Lancers deep into their own half with neat passing moves. However, both defences remained disciplined and denied space inside the circle.

With neither side able to break through, the third quarter also ended goalless. The match remained finely balanced heading into the final 15 minutes.

Late Goals Decide the Contest

Shrachi Bengal Tigers goalkeeper James Carr continued his strong performance early in the fourth quarter. Still, his resistance ended when Alexander Hendrickx (52’) converted a penalty corner with a powerful dragflick to give the Lancers the lead.

The advantage did not last long. Four minutes later, Enrique Gonzalez controlled a long ball and set up Affan Yousuf (56’), who tapped in to bring the Tigers level.

After three scoreless quarters, the game suddenly opened up. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers responded immediately. From another penalty corner, the goalkeeper made the first save, but the rebound fell to Boby Singh Dhami (57’). He finished from close range to restore the Lancers’ lead.

That goal proved decisive. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers held on in the closing moments to seal a thrilling 2-1 win. With this result, they climbed to second place in the points table.