Second semi-final: Home team Delhi to lock horns with Punjab

The second semi-final of the Hero Hockey India League is set to be a repeat of the last edition’s semi-final, between the home team Delhi Waveriders and Jaypee Punjab Warriors.

While Jaypee Punjab Warriors will look to avenge the last year’s defeat in the shoot-outs in the finals, Delhi Waveriders would look to maintain their record of qualifying for the finals every year.

Here is a sneak-peak of how the two teams have fared this year so far –

Delhi Waveriders – Like every year, Delhi were among the favourites for the title. Under the guidance of coach Cedric D’Souza and skipper Sardar Singh, this will be Waverider’s second chance to win the title. Playing ten matches in the league so far, Waveriders have won three matches, drew four and lost three matches. However, with them it’s unpredictable since they can convert the game into their favour any moment.

Players to watch for –They have a host of players who can win the game for them. Starting from skipper Sardar Singh to the energetic Gurbaj Singh or the talented Akashdeep Singh, the quality of a match-winner lies in all of them. Besides, foreign players like Simon Child and goalie Nicolas Jacobi will have to play a crucial role.

Jaypee Punjab Warriors – Perched on the top of the table, Jaypee Punjab Warriors are in best of their form, with six wins, one draw and three loses. They have won both the encounters against Delhi Waveriders in the league stage, beating them 3-1 in the first match while hammering them 7-0 in the second. They would look to continue with their winning momentum.

Players to watch for – Drag flick expert Sandeep Singh has been their top scorer with ten goals and is behind Ranchi Rays’ Ashley Jackson by just one goal. A top-scorer of the tournament last time, Sandeep will look to achieve that feat yet again. Not to forget, their goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann, one of the best goalies in the world.

With the two best teams competing, it would be a treat to watch!