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Sher-e-Punjab are known for their attacking hockey while rivals Mumbai Marines are reputed to be one of the toughest team in the Bridgestone World Series Hockey with a very disciplined outfit.
The tie was expected to be a high-voltage clash, and the jam-packed MHA Mahindra Stadium wasn't disappointed with the fast-paced fare dished out by both teams, though in the end the visitors, Sher-e-Punjab finally won 3-2.
The crowd was stunned as Sher-e-Punjab's Pakistani import Tariq Aziz struck in the very first minute even before they had settled in their seats. Star striker Deepak Thakur struck twice in the last quarter to seal the match for the Shers.
Thakur was the toast of the day winning the man-of-the-match award for his two goals.
Though, Joga Singh, the livewire for the Marines, struck the equalizer in the 12th minute and talented youngster Devinder Walmiki converted his penalty corner just two minutes before the hooter, the match was over by then for the hosts.
Gurjinder Singh, the find of the Bridgestone World Series Hockey, was the toast of the day for Chandigarh Comets. He saved the day for the visitors by sounding the board in the 63rd minute to give his team a 1-0 win over the hosts Delhi Wizards. The stadium came alive and so did Comets' hope in the series.
On the other hand, Delhi Wizards flattered to deceive yet again as they must be ruing the missed chances in this crucial tie at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Wednesday.
However, their hotly-contested match, despite generating much heat, did not result in goals.
Comets dominated the attack, but their forwards Ramandeep Singh, Ranjodh Singh and Sukhwinder Singh failed upfront, leaving coach Harendra Singh to make frequent substitutions.
The trio let go a couple of deadly crosses from the nippy winger Sher Singh, a gem of a centre from Ajitesh Rai, and then a defence splitting feed by Jiwa Mahon.