Hockey India League: Dabang Mumbai fight back to hold Ranchi Rays 3-3 - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Hockey India League: Dabang Mumbai fight back to hold Ranchi Rays 3-3

Hindustan Times, Mumbai | By
Jan 21, 2017 11:22 PM IST

Nikkin Thimmaiah scored late as Dabang Mumbai held two-time champions Ranchi Rays 3-3 in the first match of Hockey India League (HIL).

When the rule giving more weightage to field goals was introduced in the Hockey India League (HIL) last year, many people thought teams will use this as an advantage and the rule could affect result of a match.

Dabang Mumbai held Ranchi Rays 3-3 in the inaugural match of the fifth edition of the HIL at the Mahindra Stadium in Mumbai(HIL)
Dabang Mumbai held Ranchi Rays 3-3 in the inaugural match of the fifth edition of the HIL at the Mahindra Stadium in Mumbai(HIL)

Though only a few matches were affected by this rule last year, it came into play as a last-minute equaliser converted into a field goal from a penalty corner helped hosts Dabang Mumbai hold Ranchi Rays 3-3 in the inaugural match of the fifth edition of the HIL at the Mahindra Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Goals by Simranjeet Singh and Christopher Ruhr had almost clinched the tie in favour of the two-time champions from Ranchi. But Nikkin Thimmaiah’s timely flick inside the D in the final minute of the game meant the teams had to be content with two points each. Earlier, drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh had pulled one back for Mumbai seven minutes into the third quarter.

Both teams made a cautious start in the first quarter although Ranchi did make a few penetrations, including one in the very first minute. Dabang Mumbai, who had started with four forwards, had a brilliant chance to take the lead but Gurjant Singh’s back-hander from inside the D was deflected out by an alert Vikramjit Singh.

Ranchi Rays started the second quarter on an attacking note and earned a penalty corner in the very first minute but a brilliant save by goalkeeper David Harte denied them. They upped the ante on Mumbai who had a difficult time to contain the likes of Ruhr and Simranjeet upfront. Florian Fuchs led the charge on the opposite end but his two back-to-back shots on goal were well kept away by Ranchi custodian Tyler Lovell. The match had opened up a bit but a green card to Manpreet followed by a yellow to Emmanuel Strockbroekx pushed the hosts on the back foot yet again.

They did manage to keep it 0-0 at the end of the first half but Ranchi Rays came roaring in in the third quarter with Simranjeet’s goal. It was a neat finish from the Junior World Cup winner, who angled it into the bottom corner.

Harmanpreet’s goal did build hopes for Mumbai, but just two minutes later, the talismanic Ruhr scored from the spot, after the initial penalty corner had resulted into a stroke, to put Ranchi ahead.

Dabang Mumbai had wasted three penalty corners in the game before a change in strategy saw the ball being dragged behind the dotted line before shooting at goal in the last minute. Given that the hosts needed a field goal to seal a draw, it was brilliantly executed much to the delight of the home crowd.

Ranchi coach Harendra Singh was happy with his team’s performance and lauded the juniors of both the squads. “The only way for Indian hockey to grow is to make these juniors use up such opportunities and make it a difficult task for coaches to select a starting line-up,” he said.

Catch all the Latest IPL 2024 news and Live Cricket Score along with WPL Schedule and WPL Points Table related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Bihan is a multimedia correspondent and works with the sports desk in Mumbai. He mostly covers cricket but his interests include football, tennis and badminton as well.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On