Hockey India League 4: Wizards conquer Punjab’s Warriors

Uttar Pradesh Wizards defeated Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3-0 to register their second consecutive win and get their campaign back on track in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League here on Thursday.

After a barren opening two quarters, striker Akashdeep Singh scored a fine field goal in the 44th minute to break the deadlock before Argentine Gonzalo Peillat (60th) converted a penalty corner in the final minute of the match to script the win for the visitors.

It was a hard fought battle in the opening two quarters with both teams creating scoring chances.

But it were the Wizards who finally capitalised in the 44th minute when Akashdeep scored with a fine finish after he was fed by Mezzli from a counter-attack.

The goal ensured a 2-0 lead for the Wizards as according to the new scoring rules this year, a field goal is counted as two.

Warriors had their chances including four penalty corners, two of which came in the last quarter, but they lacked the firepower to convert the opportunities into goals.

Wizards sealed the match in the final minute when Peillat found the back of the net with a fierce drag-flick to disappoint the hosts.

With the win, the Wizards are now fifth with 17 points from six games, while Delhi Waveriders are a rung ahead with the same points from as many games.

UP next host Mumbai at Lucknow on Saturday, while Punjab Warriors travel to Bhubaneswar to face Kalinga Lancers on Sunday.

On Friday, Delhi Waveriders will hope to return to winning ways in their away fixture at Kalinga.