Shilanand Lakra starred with a superb brace as Hyderabad Toofans defeated HIL GC 2-0 in their Men’s Hockey India League playoff clash at Bhubaneswar to book a place in Qualifier 2.
After a cagey opening quarter, Lakra struck in the 16th minute with a deflected effort before doubling the lead in the 39th, reacting quickest to a rebound from a penalty corner. Hyderabad’s defence and goalkeeping held firm under pressure, denying HIL GC multiple penalty corners.
The win keeps Toofans’ title hopes alive, while HIL GC will contest the bronze-medal match.