Shrachi Bengal Tigers produced a thrilling fightback to defeat SG Pipers 3-2 in their last pool-stage match of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium. After falling behind by two goals, the Tigers showed grit and composure to turn the game around and stay in contention for a top-four finish.

The win keeps their title hopes alive, although they still need results to go their way to reach the semifinals.

Pipers Strike Early With Clinical Finish

The Tigers began the match with quick passing and smooth attacking moves. However, their defence was caught off guard early. In the fourth minute, SG Pipers opened the scoring through a well-worked move from the back.

Aditya Lalage drove forward and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Dilraj Singh, who finished confidently with a reverse-hit from close range to give the Pipers a 1-0 lead.

Soon after, the Pipers almost doubled their advantage from a penalty corner. This time, Tigers’ defender Sean Findlay came to the rescue by clearing the danger at the post.

Tigers Create Chances But Miss Equaliser

As the first quarter progressed, the Tigers tried to respond. In the 14th minute, Christopher Ruhr unleashed a powerful shot from outside the circle, but the effort went just wide.

The second quarter saw end-to-end hockey. The Tigers came close when Findlay picked out Gursewak Singh unmarked inside the circle, yet goalkeeper Pawan reacted quickly to stop the shot. Just before half-time, Pawan again denied the Tigers by saving Sukhjeet’s close-range one-handed attempt.

Despite repeated circle entries and strong attacks from both wings, the Tigers went into the break trailing by a single goal.

Pipers Extend Lead After the Break

The Pipers strengthened their grip on the match early in the third quarter. From a penalty corner, Tomas Domene fired a fierce shot from the top of the circle. The ball deflected off first rusher Abhishek and rolled into the net, making it 2-0.

The Tigers responded with a series of penalty corners, but Pawan stood firm with several sharp saves. Still, the pressure finally paid off in the 45th minute.

Tigers Turn the Match on Its Head

Jugraj Singh pulled one back for the Tigers from a penalty corner, successfully converting Abhishek’s injection to reduce the deficit. Moments later, the Tigers struck again.

Boccard Gauthier sent a long aerial ball into the circle. Abhishek controlled it superbly and unleashed a fierce shot that flew past the goalkeeper, bringing the scores level at 2-2.

Affan Yousuf Seals Memorable Victory

The Tigers completed their remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter. In the 48th minute, a quick counter-attack caught the Pipers’ defence out of position. Sukhjeet slipped a precise pass to Affan Yousuf, who had plenty of space and calmly slapped the ball into the bottom corner.

The Pipers pushed hard for an equaliser in the remaining minutes, but the Tigers controlled the tempo and defended resolutely to seal a famous win.