Tamil Nadu Dragons extended their impressive winning streak, securing a 2-1 victory over Shrachi Bengal Tigers in a thrilling Hero Hockey India League match at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Friday.
The match started cautiously, with neither team threatening the goal in the opening minutes. However, Tamil Nadu soon found their rhythm, creating chances in the opposition’s circle. Despite a late penalty corner opportunity that was saved by Bengal goalkeeper Jamie Carr, the Dragons didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough. In the second quarter, Karthi Selvam scored in the 16th minute after a well-executed aerial pass from Uttam Singh, putting the Dragons ahead 1-0.
The Bengal Tigers pushed hard for an equalizer but were thwarted by a series of strong defensive actions and some fine saves from Tamil Nadu goalkeeper David Harte. A drag flick from Jugraj Singh hit the crossbar, while Harte also denied attempts from Affan Yousuf and Sean Findlay.
The Tigers’ persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty stroke to level the score at 1-1. However, just two minutes later, the Dragons regained the lead through Uttam Singh, who finished off a precise assist from Moritz Ludwig, making it 2-1.
Bengal had several chances to equalize, including three penalty corners in the 39th minute and another penalty stroke in the 44th minute, but Rupinder missed the latter and failed to convert other opportunities. Despite being reduced to 10 men after two yellow cards in the final minutes, the Tamil Nadu side held firm defensively to secure a well-earned victory.
With this win, the Tamil Nadu Dragons climbed to the top of the Hero Hockey India League standings, overtaking the Bengal Tigers.