HIL: Uttar Pradesh Wizards stay alive with big win over Jaypee Punjab Warriors

New Delhi: In a must-win situation to keep their chances alive for the semi-finals, Uttar Pradesh Wizards came up with a strong show to beat Jaypee Punjab Warriors 6-2 in their Hockey India League-5 match in Chandigarh on Monday.

With Dabang Mumbai having already qualified for the last four and Kalinga Lancers (23 points) just a win shy of earning a semi-final berth, the battle is on between the rest. Ranchi Rays (18) and Punjab (17) are third and fourth in the points table respectively, but only three points separate them and UP Wizards (15) and Delhi Waveriders (15).

Strikes from Shamsher Singh (5th), Ajay Yadav (40th) and Akashdeep Singh (58th) gave Uttar Pradesh crucial five points, while Punjab’s response came from Mirco Pruijser (31st minute).

The Wizards dominated proceedings as Shamsher struck a field goal in the fifth minute. Pruijser put Punjab level in the 31st minute, but the Wizards made sure there was no further damage. Yadav scored in the 40th minute, while Akashdeep added another two minutes from the hooter.