Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi

Ranchi, Jan 7: In a tense and goalless encounter on Tuesday, the Bengal Tigers narrowly defeated SG Pipers 7-6 in a sudden-death penalty shootout to secure a crucial bonus point in the Women’s Hockey India League (WHIL) Season 2. With the two points, the Tigers confirmed their place in the final against SG Pipers, while Ranchi Royals were eliminated from the race for the top-two finish.

This was the second time this season that the two teams were inseparable after regulation time. Their first encounter had ended in a high-scoring 3-3 draw, but Tuesday’s match was a defensive masterclass from the Pipers, who kept tournament top scorer Agustina Gorzelany quiet through excellent first-rushing by Sunelita Toppo and crucial goalkeeping heroics by Bansari Solanki.

Despite dominating circle entries 30-10, the Tigers were unable to break through a disciplined Pipers defence. The first quarter saw end-to-end action, with both teams creating early chances, but Tigers’ penalty corner in the opening minutes went unconverted. The Pipers controlled possession for long stretches but gradually absorbed the pressure.

The second quarter belonged to the Tigers, who tested Solanki repeatedly, creating 14 circle entries to Pipers’ one. The third quarter saw another golden chance for the Tigers when Vandana Katariya surged into the circle, only to be denied by Solanki. Tigers’ captain Lalremsiami also had a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper in the fourth quarter, but Solanki once again came up with a critical save.

In the dying moments, the Tigers earned a late penalty corner but failed to convert, taking the game to the sudden-death shootout, where they ultimately prevailed 7-6 after 10 attempts each.

The final will be played on Saturday, with Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers set to renew their rivalry for the WHIL title.