HIL 2025-26: Hyderabad Toofans thumps defending champion Shrachi Bengal Tigers 6-0

A change of venue augured well for Hyderabad Toofans as it rode on Zachary Wallace and Tim Brand’s hat-tricks to bounce back and record a comprehensive 6-0 win over defending champion Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday.

With its back to the wall following three consecutive defeats, last season’s finalist Toofans banked on their sound game-plan to post its second win.

Toofans, who struggled for early field goals so far, drew first blood in the second minute to grab the momentum. A fine combined effort, involving Jacob Anderson and Talwinder Singh, fructified when Wallace tapped in from a goal-mouth melee.

The composed Toofans thwarted Tigers’ attacks before doubling their own lead. Brand pounced on a rebound to find the target with a reverse stick from his side’s first short corner. Toofans pumped in two more in the second quarter to make it 4-0.

Regaining his touch, Michel Struthoff impressed in the midfield and beautifully set up Wallace, who moved in to beat three defenders and get his second.

For a change, Toofans’ fourth strike originated from the left. Arthur de Sloover ran across and passed it to Wallace inside the circle to help the Dutchman complete his hat-trick.

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With his back to the post, Brand used Arshdeep Singh’s cross to score a spectacular diving goal with a reverse stick in the third quarter. The Aussie slotted in a rebound in the final period to achieve his treble.

With a decent presence of home fans, unbeaten table-topper Vedanta Kalinga Lancers thrashed bottom-placed S.G. Pipers 6-1 to ensure a final-four spot. Cooper Burns, who capitalised on Bobby Singh Dhami’s brilliant assists, and Alex Hendrickx struck a brace apiece, while goalkeeper Krishan Pathak made multiple saves.

Published on Jan 17, 2026