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The ongoing edition of the Hockey India League is fast entering its final leg. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers locked horns against Kalinga Lancers on Friday (January 24) and won the clash 5-3 in regular time. It was a must-win clash for both teams and the Tigers emerged victorious in the end. This win has propelled the Bengal Tigers to the third position in the standings. This is their fifth outright win in eight matches to go with three losses and have 15 points to show for their efforts.
UP Rudras are in second position with as many points but they are ahead due to goal difference. These are the only two teams so far to not win or lose a single game in the shootout. All of their matches have resulted in regular play time. Kalinga Lancers, after the loss, are in sixth place with 12 points after nine matches.
They have so far registered three outright and one shootout wins while losing a total of five matches. If they had managed to win this encounter, they would’ve jumped to the third place. Among other teams, Tamil Nadu Dragons continue to be on top of the table with 17 points while Hyderabad Toofans are sitting fourth with 14 points to show for their efforts.
Team Gonasika and Delhi SG Pipers are the bottom two teams in seventh and eighth position with seven and five points respectively. The Pipers are the only team without a single outright win this season so far.
What happened in the match?
As far as the match is concerned, it was full of action for the entire 60 minutes of play. The first half was electrifying with Kalinga Lancers taking a lead twice before the Bengal Tigers caught up with them converting their twin penalty corners.
At 2-2, things were going smoothly before the Tigers veered ahead before the break scoring two more goals. At half-time, the Tigers were ahead by 4-2 margin and they managed to stay in the lead in the second half as well. Eventually, they won the clash 5-3 to stay alive and climb in the points table.