HIL 2017: Dabang Mumbai trounce Jaypee Punjab Warriors 10-4

Mumbai : It was one of the high-scoring games in the Hockey India League 2017, when hosts Dabang Mumbai trash defending Champions Jaypee Punjab Warriors 10-4 at the Mahindra Hockey Stadium. 

Five field goals by Nikkin Thimmaiah (6’), Florian Fuchs (30’ and 43’), Affan Yousuf (49’, 50’) that earned Dabang Mumbai their second win on the trot. 

It was an action-packed first quarter with home team Dabang Mumbai getting off to a rollicking start even as defending champions pressed hard high up the pitch. But the home team found an early break through Nikkin Thimmaiah, who played a crucial role in the team’s late goal in their opening game against Ranchi Rays that resulted in a draw. He earned the team their first goal in the 6th minute. 

The second quarter saw both teams earning penalty corners but neither found success in converting them. However, they continued to keep up the high tempo of play with Jaypee Punjab Warriors dominating possession and play but unable to find a breakthrough for the lead. 

Dabang Mumbai's Florian Fuchs was declared the Man of the Match and was awarded a prize money of Rs 50,000 by Mr. Saumya Khaitan, CEO, Dabang Mumbai Hockey Club.

On 28 January 2017, Ranchi Rays will take on Delhi Waveriders in Ranchi.