Hockey India League: Red-Hot Alexander Hendrickx Fires Kalinga Lancers into Championship Clash
In a thrilling display of skill and consistency, Belgian superstar Alexander Hendrickx struck twice to propel the Kalinga Lancers into the Hockey India League final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Ranchi Royals in Qualifier 1 on Friday. The match, held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, showcased Hendrickx's remarkable form, as he has now found the back of the net in all but one of Lancers' matches this season.
Hendrickx's Clinical Performance Seals the Deal
Despite not leading the goalscoring charts due to Kane Russell's early hat-tricks, Hendrickx proved why he is considered one of the league's most reliable players. His brace was the decisive factor in a high-quality encounter against the Royals. The Lancers, who topped the table, took an early 2-0 lead thanks to Hendrickx's precision, but the Royals fought back valiantly.
Mandeep Singh managed to pull one back for the Royals after Hendrickx's double strike, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, the Lancers' defence, which has been the most reliable in the league with only 8 goals conceded so far, held firm to secure their spot in the title clash.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The game began with the Royals applying early pressure, but the Lancers grew into the contest and broke the deadlock in the first quarter. Hendrickx converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick in the 12th minute, giving his side a 1-0 lead. The Royals responded with six circle entries and four penalty corners in the second quarter, but the Lancers' defence stood tall to maintain their advantage at halftime.
In the second half, Hendrickx doubled the Lancers' lead in the 32nd minute with another penalty corner conversion, rifling the ball into the net. The Royals managed to score through Mandeep Singh in the 40th minute after a clever penalty corner variation, setting up a tense final quarter. Despite relentless pressure from the Royals, including seven circle entries and a penalty corner, the Lancers held on for the win.
Hyderabad Toofans Advance with Convincing Win
Earlier in the day, the Hyderabad Toofans booked their place in Qualifier 2 by defeating HIL GC 2-0 in the Eliminator clash. Shilanand Lakra was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant brace in the 16th and 39th minutes to help his side progress. The Toofans are now eyeing a spot in the final for the second consecutive year.
Upcoming HIL Playoffs Schedule
- 23 January: Eliminator – Hyderabad Toofans 2-0 HIL GC
- 23 January, 7:30 PM: Qualifier 1 – Kalinga Lancers 2-1 Ranchi Royals
- 25 January, 7:30 PM: Qualifier 2 – Hyderabad Toofans vs Ranchi Royals
- 26 January, 5:00 PM: 3rd/4th Place Match – HIL GC vs Loser of Qualifier 2
- 26 January, 7:30 PM: Final – Kalinga Lancers vs Winner of Qualifier 2
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the Hockey India League, with the Kalinga Lancers awaiting their opponent in the final, while the Hyderabad Toofans and Ranchi Royals battle it out in Qualifier 2 for a chance to join them.
