Facile win for Delhi Wizards
Y. B. Sarangi
Delhi Wizards defeated Bhopal Badshahs 3-1, to post its first win after three matches, in the World Series Hockey at the National Stadium here on Thursday.
Lowly-placed Wizards, with three wins and a draw, have now collected 10 points from eight matches to keep their hopes alive for a berth in the semifinals.
Badshahs are stationary in second spot with 13 points from eight outings.
Wizards seized the initiative by pumping in two goals in the first quarter.
Led by Shakeel Abbasi, the forwards jelled well and drew first blood in the fifth minute. K. Victo Singh latched onto a loose ball inside the circle and beat the Badshahs’ goalkeeper Baljit Singh with a powerful shot from the right.
Rapid raids
Wizards launched a few rapid raids and Abbasi tapped in a rebound in the 11th minute to extend the lead.
Badshahs valued possession of the ball and took the pace off the game. The touring side pulled one back in the 21st minute, thanks to a superb solo effort from New Zealander Casey Henwood near the post.
More aggression
Badshahs showed more aggression by fielding players up the field and their defenders complemented the forward-line well.
They moved swiftly and closed the gaps to thwart the counter-attacks.
Custodian Baljit made a fine save when he palmed away a cracking shot from Abbasi. The experienced Waseem Ahmed added value with his all-round game.
The last two quarters, which were fought hard, witnessed some heated exchanges and cards being issued to players from both the sides.
Badshahs wasted four consecutive penalty corners before Vikram Kanth converted a short corner in the final moments to seal the match in favour of the Wizards.
The result: Delhi Wizards 3 (K. Victo Singh, Shakeel Abbasi, Vikram Kanth) bt Bhopal Badshahs 1 (Casey Henwood).