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The Jaypee Punjab Warriors took some time to get their mojos back, but when they did, they fired three goals in a space of six minutes and handed a 3-1 defeat to the Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The final quarter of the game completely belonged to the visitors as they never allowed the hosts to take a breather. With this win, Punjab also consolidated top-spot in the points table, while Delhi’s search for the first win in the tournament continued.
Punjab had a great last ten minutes of the game as they crushed Delhi, which at one point of time looked to be running away with the game. The Warriors were in the league in the league of their own and ripped apart Delhi’s defence.
Dream start for Delhi Waveriders
Earlier, Delhi was off to a dream start as they were off the mark as early as in the third minute through Simon Child, who got a deft touch on the ball. Akashdeep Singh fired the shot in, which went past Jaap Stockman and taking a touch off Child’s stick crossed the line.
Delhi managed to keep their lead intact despite occasional threats from the Punjab Warriors. They were leading the game by one goal, despite making some good moves, but Dutchman Stockman was at Punjab’s rescue and made some good saves.
Punjab Warriors makes an exciting comeback
It looked like Delhi will manage to keep their lead until the hooter, but Punjab spoilt their party by firing three goals, one after another, in the final ten minutes. Christopher Ciriello, SV Sunil and Affan Youssuf scored for the visitors to seal the game.
The first goal was scored by Ciriello in the 50th minute on a penalty corner, when the Australian made no mistake in firing the ball in the bottom left corner. After levelling the scores, Punjab pushed for the winner and they were rewarded just four minutes later.
Sunil, who made some fine moves in the match for Punjab, gunned a shot past Pirmin Blaak from just inside the striking circle. Just a couple of minutes later, Youssuf sealed the game through a reverse shot to complete an exciting comeback.
