Under the newly introduced scoring system, a field goal is counted as two and the hosts did enough to defend their early strike to pocket -- points from the encounter.
Whetton found the opposition net as early as in the second minute of the match to give the early lead to Punjab Warriors which they stoutly defended for the remaining 68 minutes of the match to stun the title holders.
Punjab Warriors caught Ranchi, partly co-owned by India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, napping in a counter-attack when Sardar set it up for Whetton from the right with a brilliant pass and the Australian did enough to dodge past an onrushing Ranchi goalkeeper Tyler Lovell to shot home the goal.
Punjab Warriors looked more orgainsed than their opponents.
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Ranchi had another scoring chance after in the opening half but Jackson's slap shot did not trouble Punjab Warriors custodian.
While Whetton's try from the first penalty corner hit the right post, the effort from the second set piece went wide.
Punjab Warriors had another scoring opportunity in the final quarter, but Christopher Ciriello's effort did not yield result.
Ranchi came out all guns blazing in the final quarter but their forwardline failed to get the final touch which could have earned them atleast a draw.
Punjab Warriors will meet last year's bronze medallist Delhi Waveriders in their next match here tomorrow, while Ranchi will play Uttar Pradesh Wizards in Lucknow on Friday.
"It was good that Sardar provided the ball in time and I was there at the right place for the goal. Also, we put up a very good defensive performance as well, so it was a good win," Whetton, was adjudged player-of-the-match said at the post-match presentation.