S. V. Sunil struck twice to help defending champion Jaypee Punjab Warriors thrash an off-colour Ranchi Rays 7-0 and register its first win in the Hockey India League at the Astroturf Stadium here on Wednesday.
Ranchi earned nine penalty corners including seven in the last quarter.
Punjab players exchanged their positions well and showed better coordination. The visiting team seized momentum by scoring twice in the second quarter.
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Punjab tasted success when Mink van der Weerden, who sparkled with his defending skills, converted his team’s second short corner through a high flick.
Two minutes later, Jake Whetton set up an unmarked S.V. Sunil and the latter hit home after a solo run of about 20 yards.
The clever Sunil inflated the tally in the third quarter. Sardar Singh sent a reverse-stick cross from the goal line on right and Sunil, who was standing with his back towards the goal, bamboozled Ranchi with his deflection.
Punjab again caught Ranchi unawares when Satbir's fine cross from 25 yards was slotted in by Whetton in 43rd minute.
On Thursday, Ranchi will meet Dabang Mumbai.
The result: Jaypee Punjab Warriors (Mink van der Weerden PC 24, S.V. Sunil 2FG 26 and 2FG 34, Jake Whetton 2FG 43) bt Ranchi Rays 0.
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