New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Wizards ensured qualification to the semi-final playoffs with a 4-4 draw against Dabang Mumbai in the last group phase match of the Hockey India League-5 in Lucknow on Wednesday.
The result also eliminated Ranchi Rays, as UP emerged as the third team in the group, with 25 points after 10 matches. Mumbai topped the group stage with 35 points, followed by Kalinga Lancers on 28 points and Delhi Waveriders (23).
The semi-finals will be held in Chandigarh on Saturday, with the final slated for Sunday. Ajay Yadav (12th minute) and Ramandeep Singh (17th) scored for the Wizards. Mumbai responded through Gurjant Singh (13th) and Manpreet (19th).
Yadav gave the Wizards hope with a stunning field goal but Mumbai equalised in the next minute through Gurjant’s instinctive finish. The field goals upped the tempo as the first quarter ended on level terms.
The intensity increased further at the beginning of the second quarter when Ramandeep Singh’s reverse hit put the Wizards ahead for the second time in the match at 4-2. But they conceded two minutes later as Manpreet restored parity for Mumbai.
Semi-finals line-up
Mumbai vs Delhi
UP vs Kalinga
