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Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi (Capacity – 16,200)
Broadcaster: Star Sports (Hindi Commentary), Star Cricket (English Commentary)
Date: 29 January 2013, Tuesday
Time: 8:00 PM (IST)
Punjab Warriors, who were regarded as one of the pre-tournament favourites, had a bizarre outing at the start of the ongoing Hockey India League and having lost all of their first three games, currently sit at 3rd in the points table after some late resurgence in their form that saw them grabbing three wins and a draw. Currently, they are on a high after defeating the UP Wizards in their last encounter 4-3 at Lucknow’s Dhyan Chand Astroturf Stadium, with SV Sunil, Jamie Dwyer and Ciriello, all finding the net.
Now they will be up against a much inspired Delhi Waveriders, who are the only undefeated team and are jointly at the top of the table with Ranchi Rhinos, having played one match less than them. A win for Punjab in Delhi’s backyard will definitely give them momentum and probably secure their place in the semifinals. For Delhi Waveriders, they just have to keep their momentum going and look to get the maximum available points from this fixture against Punjab so as to strengthen their position at the top.
Players to watch out:
Delhi Waveriders: Lloyd Norris-Jones (South Africa, Forward) - The South African forward, who also represented his national team at the London Olympics, is currently in good form and has already scored a brilliant field goal in this tournament. He, along with Danish Mujtaba, can form a lethal partnership upfront which can cause serious problems for the already looking porous defence of Punjab. He has already netted 4 goals so far.
Rupinder Pal Singh (India, Penalty Corner Specialist) - He might not be a replica of Sandeep Singh and might even be too far from the likes of legendary Sohail Abbas, but is indeed very effective in that role. And his statistics in the tournament, where he has already converted 4 penalty corners, indicate that he might be crucial for the Waveriders if he continues in that form.
Punjab Warriors:
Jamie Dwyer (Australia, Forward) - The Australian forward is currently in good form after already having scored thrice in the tournament. He has also formed a three pronged attack along with Dharamvir Singh and S.V. Sunil which can be lethal for any opposition. How well the Delhi defenders can manage the threat of the trio will determine the tide of the game.
Form Guide:
Delhi Waveriders: WWWDWW
Jaypee Punjab Warriors: WWDWLLL
Coaches:
Delhi Waveriders: AK Bansal
Jaypee Punjab Warriors: Barry Dancer
Score Prediction: Given the current form, it will be easy for the Delhi team. My prediction is a 3-1 win for Delhi Waveriders.
