Punjab and Sind Bank (PSB) kept its chances alive with a 3-2 win over Namdhari XI in the 48th ONGC-Nehru hockey tournament at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Tuesday.
In a Group A encounter, PSB overcame an early deficit to control the game and force a result that allowed the team to be in the reckoning for a semifinal slot. With six points, PSB is tied with Air India which meets Bharat Petroleum in the last league tie on Wednesday.
A win or draw would carry Air India forward while Bharat Petroleum needs a victory to progress. A draw would also benefit PSB, coached by former Olympian Baljit Singh Saini.
A penalty corner conversion in the 12th minute by Harpreet Singh gave Namdhari the lead, but its advantage lasted a mere eight minutes as Bikramjit Singh equalised off a penalty corner.
With three minutes remaining for half-time, it was PSB's turn to take the lead through Jasjit Singh, but it surrendered it within two minutes when Gurmeet Singh succeeded through another penalty corner. In the second half, PSB's efforts were rewarded midway through the session with Harbir Singh converting a penalty corner. PSB hung on to the lead to frustrate Namdhari.
Match drawn
In a Group B match, Punjab National Bank drew 2-2 with Central Railway. With five points, PNB is better placed to make it to the semifinals as Indian Oil (4) and Oil and Natural Gas Commission (3) play their last league matches on Wednesday.
Central Railway led twice, in the 12th and 57th minutes, through Deepak Lakra, but PNB hit back. Ranjit Singh equalised in the 36th minute before Arjun made no mistake with a penalty stroke four minutes from the final whistle.
