SG Pipers vs Shrachi Bengal Tigers, Women's HIL Final: New Champions set to emerge in Saturday's Championship Clash

Add as a preferred source on Google

After 12 thrilling matches and 37 goals in the Women's Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26, SG Pipers and Shrachi Bengal Tigers gear up for a blockbuster final at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

Both finalists boast similar attacking flair but contrasting strengths, setting the stage for a tactical chess match. SG Pipers dominated the league stage, topping the table with 11 points from three wins, ahead of Shrachi Bengal Tigers' 10 points (two regular-time wins, two shootout victories). Ranchi Royals lagged in third with 9 points.

Head-to-head, Tigers hold the edge: they stunned Pipers twice via penalty shootouts-4-3 after a 3-3 draw in the opener, and 7-6 following a goalless stalemate. Yet Pipers' stats scream dominance: second-highest scorers with 11 goals (led by captain Navneet Kaur's 4, Lola Riera's 3, and Sunelita Toppo's 2), plus the league's second-best defense (9 conceded).

Pipers' skipper Navneet Kaur reflected on their turnaround: "From bottom last season to top this year-it's been special. We're fearless and hungry for the trophy." Tigers, captained by Vandana Katariya, lean on penalty corner ace Agustina Gorzelany (5 goals) and Lalremsiami (2 goals), despite leaking 11 at the back. Their coach, fresh off a men's HIL title, instilled a champion's mindset: "We've bonded tightly and improved game by game-now it's about consistency."

Key Matchups to Watch

Navneet Kaur vs Tigers' defense: Her drag-flick prowess could unlock the game.

Gorzelany's corners vs Pipers' backline: Tigers' 7 goals pale against Pipers' firepower.

Shootout duel: Tigers' nerve in penalties vs Pipers' regular-time edge.