New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Dragons defeated Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 2-1 in a tight contest of the Hockey India League (HIL) played at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Friday. The Tamil Nadu team has moved to the top of the points table following their fourth win on the bounce.
Karti Selvam opened the goal for the Dragons just into the start of the second quarter after both teams played a goalless first quarter. The Dragons walked off the first half with a 1-0 lead after Karti was set by Uttam Singh’s aerial pass right near the goalpost for Karthi to tuck the ball inside for his second goal of the season.
Rupinder Pal Singh struck in the 35th minute for the equaliser after the Tigers were awarded the penalty stroke. The Bengal team couldn’t hold it for a long time as the Dragons were back in the lead thanks to Uttam Singh’s shot, which ultimately turned out to be the winner. It was an inch-perfect long pass from Mortiz Ludwig into the circle to find Uttam, who slotted it past James Carr to regain the lead.
Rupinder Pal missed the second penalty stroke, which was awarded in the 44th minute, striking the ball wide of the goalpost. David Harte was superb in the goalpost for the Dragons except the one penalty stroke in the third quarter.
Hockey India League Updated points table after Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers vs Tamil Nadu Dragons
Tamil Nadu Dragons picked all three points following their outright win over Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on Friday. The Dragons have won four matches, including one from a penalty shootout, and lost one in the same manner. This means that the Amit Rohidas-led team has moved to the top of the points table with 12 points accounted in five matches.
The Bengal Tigers, on the other hand, are placed at the second spot with nine points after winning three of their five matches. Checkout the updated points table of the Hockey India League below after the action on January 10.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Won on Shootout | Loss | Loss on Shootout | Goals For | Goals Against | Goals Difference | Points |
| 1 | Tamil Nadu Dragons | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 12 |
| 2 | Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 12 | -2 | 9 |
| 3 | Vedanta Kalinga Lancers | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 7 |
| 4 | JSW Soorma Hockey Club | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 7 |
| 5 | UP Rudras | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 6 | Hyderabad Toofans | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 5 |
| 7 | Team Gonasika | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 4 |
| 8 | Delhi SG Pipers | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 10 | -3 | 4 |
A team who wins on the final scores is awarded three points. A team who wins on the penalty shootout is awarded two points while a team who ends up on the losing side after a shootout walks with just one point.
Tamil Nadu Dragons defeated Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 2-1 in a tight contest of the Hockey India League (HIL) played at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Friday. The Tamil Nadu team has moved to the top of the points table following their fourth win on the bounce. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
