Vedanta Kalinga Lancers achieved their second consecutive win by defeating Shrachi Bengal Tigers 2-1 in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. Alexander Hendrickx (52’) and Boby Singh Dhami (57’) scored for the Lancers, while Affan Yousuf (56’) netted for the Tigers.
The game started with Vedanta Kalinga Lancers dominating possession and having more circle entries compared to the Shrachi Bengal Tigers. Despite some goal attempts, the first quarter ended goalless with only one penalty corner.
In the second quarter, the Tigers gained momentum with nine circle entries and four shots but were unable to break the deadlock due to exceptional saves by Krishan Bahadur Pathak for the Lancers. Both teams showed attacking impetus, but the score remained level at halftime.
Shrachi Bengal Tigers continued their attacking play in the third quarter, pushing the Lancers back. However, both teams defended well, leading to a stalemate going into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Alexander Hendrickx’s (52’) goal from a penalty corner gave the Lancers the lead, which was quickly equalized by Affan Yousuf (56’) for the Tigers. Boby Singh Dhami (57’) then secured the victory for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers with a close-range goal from a penalty corner, earning them three points and moving them to second place on the points table.
