Delhi Waveriders will lock horns with Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the summit clash of the second edition of Hero Hockey India League after registering hard-fought victories in their respective semi-finals.
The Waveriders rode on Yuvraj Walmiki's lone goal to beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the first semi-final today, before dragflicker Sandeep Singh struck twice to hand Warriors a 3-2 win in the high-voltage next last-four match to dash the hopes of defending champions Ranchi Rhinos in front of a packed stadium.
If the first semi-final was a quiet affair, the second semifinal between the Rhinos and the Warriors produced fast and exciting hockey, much to the delight of the capacity crowd.
It was Sandeep (24th minute, 52nd minute) who converted a couple of short corners while Jake Whetton (55th) scored a classy field goal with a powerful strike from top right of the D to register the come-from-behind win and shatter the home team's hopes.
The two goals consolidated Sandeep's lead at the top of the goalscorers' chart with a tally of 11 goals.
For the Rhinos, Ashley Jackson converted a penalty corner in the 19th minute while the other goal was scored by Floris Evers (58th). Such was the intensity of the match, that Rhinos' Manpreet Singh and Warriors Gurmail Singh literally came to blows in the final quarter.
The Warriors also need to thank their goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann for the win as he made a brilliant save in the final minute of the match to keep his side's lead intact.
Just seconds before the final hooter the Rhinos earned their third penalty corner and Jackson stood up to take the shot.
But Warriors goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann was alert to the occasion and made a brilliant diving save to his right to deny Jackson.
