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Venue: Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Mumbai (Capacity – 8,250)
Broadcaster: Star Sports (Hindi Commentary), Star Cricket (English Commentary)
Date: 20 January 2013
Time: 8:00 PM (IST)
Overview:
Punjab Warriors, who were regarded as one of the pre-tournament favourites, are having a bizarre outing at the ongoing Hockey India League and having lost all of their three games, currently sit at 4th in the points table. They will be up against Mumbai Magicians who are also having an equally poor run of form and are currently sitting at the bottom of the table. After having lost both their away games against Delhi and Ranchi, they will be looking at their home supporters to motivate them for their first win in their first home tie.
Both the teams can boast of very good squads but it is the lack of coordination in the teams that has hit them and due to this, both teams are lagging behind as compared to their other counterparts. It is not late for either of them, but they really have to pull up their socks now or it will be too late for them.
Players to watch out:
Mumbai Magicians: Sandeep Singh (India, Defender)
In order to win games, scoring goals is necessary and penalty corners provide an incredible opportunity for that. But for that, one needs a penalty corner specialist. Sandeep has provided that added dimension to the team. Even though he is a full back, his eye for goals in penalty corners is something special.
Having already found the net once through a lethal strike from a penalty corner, it is his rate of conversion that can be decisive for the match.
Punjab Warriors: Jamie Dwyer (Australia, Forward)
The Australian veteran forward, who is also leading the team, is undoubtedly a top class player. Even at 33, he still has the same level of fitness and commitment as he did in his younger days. A World Cup Gold, an Olympic Gold and several Champions Trophy Gold medals are some of the highlights of his glorious career. The success of Punjab Warriors depends a lot on how he performs.
He has already registered his name on the scoring sheets once in this tournament, but still the fans are expecting more from a player of his stature.
Coaches:
Mumbai: Ric Charlesworth (Australia)
Punjab: Barry Dancer (Australia)
Score Prediction: It is also going to be a match between the wits of two Australian coaches. Mumbai have the home advantage and are expected to exploit the same. I’ll go with a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Mumbai. Additionally, I am hoping Sandeep Singh scores the winner.
