In a heart-stopping finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers were crowned champions of the inaugural Women's Hockey India League (WHIL). They defeated a valiant SG Pipers side 4-3 in a sudden-death penalty shootout after the match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time.
A Rollercoaster of Goals in Regulation
The title clash was a showcase of attacking hockey from the very first whistle. The Shrachi Bengal Tigers drew first blood, with Annu finding the back of the net in the 8th minute to give her team an early advantage. However, the SG Pipers responded with characteristic resilience. The dynamic Deepika Soreng leveled the scores in the 17th minute, ensuring the teams went into the first break on equal footing.
The second quarter saw the Tigers roar back into the lead. Mahima Choudhary executed a superb finish in the 22nd minute, restoring her team's one-goal cushion. Yet again, the Pipers refused to be subdued. Deepika Soreng was on target once more, scoring her second of the night in the 28th minute to make it 2-2, setting up a grandstand finish.
Late Drama Forces a Shootout
As the final quarter unfolded with intense pressure, Anjali Barwa of the Bengal Tigers thought she had scored the winner with a crucial goal in the 53rd minute. With just minutes remaining, the Tigers were on the cusp of victory. But the SG Pipers showcased incredible fighting spirit. Sunelita Toppo became the hero for her side, slotting home the equalizer with only three minutes left on the clock, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
The Shootout Decider and Championship Glory
The shootout was a tense affair, mirroring the drama of the previous sixty minutes. Both teams displayed skill and nerve, but it was the Shrachi Bengal Tigers who held their composure slightly better. They ultimately triumphed 4-3 in the sudden-death phase, sparking wild celebrations among their players and support staff.
This victory marks a historic moment for the Shrachi Bengal Tigers, as they etch their name as the first-ever champions of the Women's Hockey India League. The match was a fantastic advertisement for women's hockey in India, featuring end-to-end action, multiple lead changes, and a climax that went down to the very last shot.
