Sean findlay

Shrachi Bengal Tigers: In a nail-biting encounter, Shrachi Bengal Tigers overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory against the SG Pipers in their final pool stage clash of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

Dilraj Singh (4’) and Tomas Domene (31’) put the Pipers ahead, but the Tigers roared back with goals from Jugraj Singh (45’), Abhishek (45’), and Affan Yousuf (48’). The triumph keeps the Tigers in the fray with a narrow hope of a top-four finish and a potential bid for the title.

The Tigers opened with sharp passing and slick link-up play, but their defence was caught cold in the fourth minute. The Pipers struck first with a sweeping move built from the back. Aditya Lalage surged forward and slipped a precise pass to Dilraj Singh, who buried it with a reverse-hit from close range.