Last year's runners-up Jaypee Punjab Warriors were held to a 3-3 draw by newly formed outfit Dabang Mumbai on the second day of the third edition of Hockey India League (HIL) here Friday.
The match witnessed some high voltage moves, thrilling moments and a nail-biting finish which left the spectators at the Mahindra Hockey Stadium wanting for more. The 60-minute game shifted gear with every goal scored but ended in a draw as both teams did not allow the other to walk away with a win.
Mumbai had a fantastic first quarter, scoring the first goal in the seventh minute from the stick of man of the match Harmanpreet Singh, who successfully converted a penalty corner.
While Punjab created opportunities, the host team successfully managed to keep the opponents at bay and refrained them from equalising with the first quarter closing at 1-0 in favour of Mumbai.
The second quarter started with Punjab going on the attack immediately. However, they were halted by their opponents. Though Punjab attacked in almost the entire session, Mumbai did not allow them any chances, managing to control the game. With the second quarter going goalless, Mumbai retained the 1-0 lead.
However, in the third quarter Punjab captain Jamie Dwyer showed why he is such a legend of the game when he scored an unbelievable field goal, helping the visitors to level the scores (32nd minute).
Two-time World Champion Dwyer lived up to expectations as he nipped through the Mumbai defence on a number of occasions. Half way through the third quarter, Dwyer managed a deflection towards the goal but it was brilliantly saved by goalie David Harte.
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In the final quarter, Chinglensana Singh (50th) went through the defence of Punjab to break the deadlock, allowing the hosts to take a 2-1 advantage.
Punjab were awarded a penalty stroke in the (56th minute) and former India captain Sandeep Singh ensured he doesn't miss, tying the game at 2-2 with four minutes left to play.
With just a minute left for the final whistle, Punjab got the chance to take the lead through a penalty corner opportunity and Sandeep yet again didn't commit any mistake to convert the chance.
Leading 3-2, it seemed Punjab had the game in their kitty but Mumbai's Chinglensana threw up a surprise by scoring a brilliant field goal in the dying seconds and tied the match at 3-3.