Cheetahs cruise past Badshahs
S. Thyagarajan
Pulsating in patches and prosaic for the major part, the key contest between Chennai Cheetahs and Bhopal Badshahs provided a mixed fare in the World Series Hockey (WSH) here on Tuesday.
Quite predictably, the outcome, a 4-1 victory for Cheetahs, warmed the cockles of many a local heart. There was a fairly large turn-out for the late match.
With 16 points from 10 matches, the Chennai outfit is cruising towards a semifinal berth. True, the trajectory to traverse is not going to be easy.
Going ahead
Stunned by a second minute goal by Waseem, who provided the finishing touches to an immaculate cross from Samir Dad, Chennai Cheetahs had to stage a fight back.
And it did that in style, with its trump card Imran Warsi pumping in the equaliser amidst spontaneous cheers.
But goals were hard to come by thereafter, notwithstanding the heavy pressure that the Chennai team built in the rival zone. Adam Sinclair and Reardon, prompted brilliantly by veteran Vikram Pillay, bemused the defenders. Amandeep Ekka and Vikas Sharma lent him admirable support.
As many as five — four of them in a row — surfaced, heightening the expectations of the crowd.
But goalkeeper Baljit Singh showed a commendable sense of equanimity, denying the Chennai team any hint of success.
Though not consistent to the point of upsetting the rival defenders, the Bhopal team punctured holes thanks to the quick surges by Yusaff Affan and Cheeyyanna.
The main striker Laxman Baskaran strove manfully without much support from the flanks.
Progressively, however, Chennai Cheetahs regained the initiative. A facial injury to Warsi raised some concerns, but the doughty warrior returned after medical attention. A fierce penalty corner shot found Ajay Saroha in the way, but the ball deflected into the net.
Referral
There was a referral to the third umpire, who awarded a stroke which Vikram Pillay converted with palpable glee.
In the lead, Chennai Cheetahs propelled itself to top gear. Adam Sinclair came up with a peach of a goal, following a rebound, after Baljit Singh had staved off a penalty corner shot by Warsi. Riding on the crest of confidence in the final minutes, Chennai scored another goal following a penalty corner.
The result:
Chennai Cheetahs 4 (Imran Warsi, Vikram Pillay 2, Adam Sinclair) bt Bhopal Badshahs 1 (Waseem).