Hyderabad Toofans made a powerful start to the Bhubaneswar leg of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 by hammering Shrachi Bengal Tigers 6-0 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday. Zachary Wallace and Tim Brand starred with brilliant hat-tricks as the Toofans controlled the match from start to finish.

The win highlighted Hyderabad’s attacking depth and defensive discipline, while the Tigers struggled to convert their chances.

Early breakthrough sets the tone

Hyderabad Toofans wasted no time in taking the lead. In just the second minute, Talwinder Singh showed great strength inside the circle before setting up Zachary Wallace, who calmly pushed the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to open the scoring.

Shrachi Bengal Tigers tried to respond quickly. Sukhjeet Singh earned a penalty corner in the seventh minute, but Tom Grambusch’s drag-flick missed the target. A minute later, the Tigers earned another penalty corner, yet Grambusch was denied again by a sharp save from goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg.

Tim Brand strikes as Toofans stay in control

Hyderabad earned their first penalty corner in the 12th minute. Although Amandeep Lakra’s drag-flick was stopped, Tim Brand reacted fastest to the rebound and tapped the ball into the net to double the lead.

The pressure continued in the second quarter. Zachary Wallace found space in the 16th minute, drove straight into the circle, and fired a low shot into the bottom-right corner to make it 3-0.

Tigers threaten but fail to score

Shrachi Bengal Tigers did create opportunities. Abhishek tested goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh with a powerful shot in the 19th minute, which was well saved. Soon after, Ketan Kushwaha’s strong pass into the circle nearly paid off, but Abhishek’s deflection went just wide.

Despite these chances, Hyderabad’s defence stood firm. Just before halftime, Wallace struck again. He attacked from the right flank, and his shot took a deflection before looping over the Tigers’ goalkeeper, completing his hat-trick and pushing the score to 4-0.

Brand completes his hat-trick in style

The third quarter began with a tighter battle, but Hyderabad soon extended their lead. In the 39th minute, Arshdeep Singh dazzled with superb 3D skills along the baseline, beating several defenders before setting up Tim Brand, who finished easily from close range.

Early in the fourth quarter, Hyderabad struck again. Jacob Anderson’s initial shot was saved, but Tim Brand reacted quickly to score from the rebound and complete his hat-trick, making it 6-0.

Toofans finish strong at the back

Towards the end of the match, Shrachi Bengal Tigers earned consecutive penalty corners. However, Hyderabad Toofans defended calmly and denied any late consolation.

Across all four quarters, Hyderabad remained dominant in attack and disciplined in defence, sealing a comprehensive victory to kick off their Bhubaneswar campaign in style.