Jaypee Punjab Warriors defeated defending champions Delhi Wave riders 2-0 in the second semi-final of Hockey India League at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium at New Delhi on Saturday. It was a dominating performance by Punjab as they created a lot of chances and kept the pressure throughout.
In the first quarter Jaypee Punjab Warriors started well off to a positive note. They earned a penalty corner in the first few minutes. Sandeep Singh converted the penalty corner into a goal to give Punjab 1-0 lead. After that Delhi got a penalty corner but missed the chance. In 12.21 minute Jaypee Punjab earned a penalty corner but did not convert the chance into goal. In 14.07 Jaypee Punjab missed a chance to score a goal again. At the end of first quarter it was 1-0 in favor of Punjab.
The second quarter also began well for Jaypee Punjab. In 3.23 minute Jaypee Punjab striker hit a shot but was well saved by Delhi goalkeeper. In 6.26 minute Jaypee Punjab missed another chance of converting the goal. In 11.48 minute Jaypee Punjab missed third chance of a field goal. At the end of second quarter it was still 1-0.
The third quarter was an excellent game of hockey with both teams trying chances on goal. In the 1st minute itself Delhi Wave riders’ striker hit the shot wide off the goal. In the 3rd minute Jaypee Punjab missed an excellent chance of converting a goal and in the 4th minute their goalkeeper made an excellent save. In the 5th minute Jaypee Punjab Mazili hit a shot that just went from the stick of goalkeeper into a goal to give Punjab a 2-0 lead. In 7th minute Jaypee goalkeeper made another excellent save. In 7.40 minute Delhi earned a penalty corner. They got another penalty corner after that also but Rupinder Pal Singh could not drag flick into the goal. In 9.20 minute Jaypee Punjab earned a penalty corner but was well saved by Delhi goalkeeper. In the 11th minute Jaypee Punjab missed another chance of converting into a goal. In 14.36 another good save was made by Punjab goalkeeper.
The fourth quarter also saw a great game by both teams. In the first minute itself Jaypee Punjab missed a chance of converting a goal. In 2.57 minute Jaypee Punjab goalkeeper made an excellent save. Delhi tried to put pressure on Jaypee Punjab Warriors but did not make use of the chances coming in their way. In the 11th minute Delhi missed a chance. In 13.40 minute Jaypee Punjab goalkeeper made another excellent save. In 14.40 minute Jaypee Punjab Warriors made another excellent save the Delhi striker hit the ball 3 times. A struggle ensued between Akashdeep and Hammond, leading to showing of yellow card to both of them. That had no consequence on the result of the game and Jaypee Punjab won the match 2-0.
With this Jaypee Punjab will meet Ranchi Rays in the finals today and Delhi will face UP in the third–fourth place playoff.