New Delhi: Delhi Waveriders and Uttar Pradesh Wizards played out an engaging 1-1 draw to keep their semi-finals chances alive in the Hockey India League Season-5 match here on Sunday evening.
In what was a crucial tie with the winners assured of a semi-final berth, the teams gave their all and in the end, a draw was a just result.
Delhi begun with a clear intent to attack and pressed hard in the opening quarter.
The Wizards goalkeeper Sreejesh P.R., however, thwarted all their efforts and was brilliant under the bars forcing the hosts to change tactics. He later picked up the man of the match award.
The second quarter saw Delhi take the lead when drag-flicker Rupinderpal Singh converted a penalty corner in the 20th minute to put the hosts ahead 1-0.
UP, however, were quick on the counter and earned a penalty stroke that was converted by Gonzalo Peillat two minutes later.
In the last two quarters, the teams adopted a safety first approach while trying to encash the opportunities that came their way.
Delhi stayed third on the points table with 23 points, while UP are fourth with 22. Mumbai (33) and Kalinga (23) have already qualified for the semis. Ranchi (18) and Punjab (17) are fifth and sixth, respectively.
