It was an inconsequential match for both teams but Dabur Mumbai Magicians ensured it ended its campaign in the second edition of the Hockey India League on a winning note, defeating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-2 here on Tuesday.
Mumbai’s second consecutive win in the competition helped it finish fifth among the six teams with 18 points, improving on its last-place finish last year. Newcomer Kalinga Lancers finished last with 17 points.
UP drew first blood in the 22nd minute through Nithin Thimmaiah but Gurjinder Singh levelled for the Magicians in the 31st minute before veteran Prabhjot Singh and captain Glenn Turner scored to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
Wizards managed to reduce the margin through V.R. Raghunath’s penalty corner conversion but Mumbai managed to hold on for full points.
UP now travels to Ranchi for the semifinals, most likely against last year’s runner-up Delhi Waveriders, unless the last league match of the competition — between Jaypee Punjab Warriors and Ranchi Rhinos on Wednesday — ends in a draw.
The result: Dabur Mumbai Magicians 3 (Gurjinder Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Glenn Turner) bt Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2 (Nithin Thimmaiah, V.R. Raghunath).
