Delhi beat AI to move into semis

Jalandhar, Oct 31 (UNI) Delhi today entered the semi-finals of the Dainik Bhaskar Tracer 62nd National Hockey Championship defeating Air India by 3-1 in their last Super League match here today.

Now defending champions Punjab and Sindh Bank will clash with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) while Delhi will meet Namdhari XI in the semi-finals here on November 2. Final will be played on November 3.

Delhi dominated in the match against Air India from the start and made an aggressive move in the second minute of the match which culminated into a penalty corner. Satpal converted the short-corner into goal to put his team ahead 1-0.

The lead prevailed during the first half of the match even though Air India mounted pressure through their frequent attacks.

However, they failed to convert penalty corners that came their way.

In the 45th minute, the Delhiites doubled the lead through captain Bikas Toppo who scored a spectacular field goal.

Seven minutes later, Delhi reaffirmed their grip on the match when Pramod Kumar succeeded in sounding the board after surpassing the rival defenders and goalkeeper. In the 54th minute, Air India's Gangandeep Singh pulled one back to make it 3-1.

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