Wizards miss a trick in front of packed house

Despite their first home game being one of the most well-attended Hockey India League matches so far, hosts Uttar Pradesh Wizards could not use the support to their advantage as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Delhi Waveriders at the Dhyan Chand stadium.

It was a jam-packed stadium, a rarity these days, but the turnout could be attributed to an array of Bollywood stars, including Katrina kaif and Nargis Fakhri, performing on the sidelines.

The crowd support, however, seemed to have no effect in the middle as Delhi Waveriders exercised a clear upper hand in the first quarter. Their New Zealand striker Simon Child scored the opener in the sixth minute with a reverse hit. Delhi, who were missing their Australian striker Matt Gohdes, saw a drop in their momentum in the second quarter, allowing the Wizards to come back in to the game. The only time the crowd got an opportunity to celebrate was when VR Raghunath scored the equaliser through a penalty-corner awarded to home team in the 24th minute.

With no goals scored thereafter, both the teams had to be content with 2 points each. After the match, UP Wizards' coach Roelant Oltmans said: "Apart from the first quarter we played a good game. We did not create too many goals. Both teams were strong and this is what competition is all about."

Wizards captain Raghunath promised a better show next time. "In the matches to come, you will see a raised level of game from some of the players. We just have to stick to our plans."

Wizards now host the in-form Ranchi Rhinos on Sunday.

Live on Star Sports: 3 pm

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