Wizards spring a surprise on Sher-E-Punjab; Badshahs hold Strykers

PTI

Delhi Wizards came from a goal down to surprise Sher-E-Punjab 2-1 and register its first win in the inaugural World Series Hockey (WSH) here on Wednesday.

After three consecutive defeats against Karnataka Lions, Pune Strykers and Chennai Cheetahs, Wizards finally got off the blocks and opened its account in the eight-team franchise league.

But the Wizards had to toil hard for the win as Punjab took the lead in the second quarter through Australian Matthew Hotchkis (22nd minute).

Trailing 0-1 at the half time, the Wizards came out a determined bunch after resumption and scored two field goals in the third and fourth quarters through Manoj Antil (40th minute) and Gurvinder Singh (63rd) for its first win.

For Sher-E-Punjab it is its first defeat from four outings in the tournament.
Spirited show

A spirited Bhopal Badshahs held Pune Strykers to a 1-1 draw in the other match in Pune.

Pune Strykers was clearly the better side and it scored through Gurpreet Singh (27th minute), who moved to the top of the table of goal-scorers with eight goals.

For Bhopal Badshahs, Affan Yousuf (66th) sounded the boards through a field goal.

After a goalless first quarter, Gurpreet converted a penalty corner which his side earned nine minutes into the quarter. Mario Nicolas Almada was in the thick of action for most of the time for Pune.

Badshahs got the equaliser through Affan Yousuf just four minutes before the final hooter through a field goal.

The results: Delhi Wizards 2 (Manoj Antil, Gurvinder Singh) bt Sher-E-Punjab 1 (Matthew Hotchkis).

At Pune: Pune Strykers 1 (Gurpreet Singh) drew with Bhopal Badshahs 1 (Affan Yousuf).

Thursday’s matches: Chandigarh Comets v Sher-E-Punjab, Chandigarh, 7 p.m.; Karnataka Lions v Mumbai Marines, Bangalore, 9 p.m.