The semifinal race for the Hockey India League (HIL) is tantalizingly poised, with three teams – Soorma Hockey Club, Tamil Nadu Dragons, and UP Rudras – vying for the remaining two spots on the final league stage day.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers (18 points) and Hyderabad Toofans (18 points) have already secured their berths, leaving the door open for the other contenders.
In a crucial early evening clash, the Tigers will face off against Soorma, while a potential winner-takes-all showdown between the Dragons and Rudras is on the cards in the final league game.
Sportstar looks at the scenarios for the remaining teams to qualify for the last-four stage:
| Position | Team | MP | W | SO W | L | SO L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1. | Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 21 | 2 | 18 |
| 2. | Hyderabad Toofans | 10 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 26 | 16 | 10 | 18 |
| 3. | JSW Soorma Hockey Club | 9 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 18 | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| 4. | Tamil Nadu Dragons | 9 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 20 | 21 | -1 | 17 |
| 5. | UP Rudras | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 15 | 1 | 15 |
Soorma Hockey Club (17 points – 3rd)
As Soorma and Dragons are level on 17 points and four outright wins each, Soorma takes pole position courtesy of a superior goal difference. A draw against the Tigers will suffice for Harmanpreet Singh’s side to reach the semifinals. Even a defeat, provided it is by no more than a two-goal margin, will keep Soorma ahead of Dragons and secure its place in the final four.
Tamil Nadu Dragons (17 points – 4th)
A win or a draw against Rudras will seal Dragons’ position in the semifinal.
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If Dragons lose to Rudras, they will require a specific set of circumstances to unfold: they must not lose by more than a single goal, and Soorma must lose its match by a margin of three or more goals. If Soorma and Dragons finish level on points, outright wins, and goal difference, the team with the most field goals scored will be ranked higher. Currently, Dragons hold a 11-8 advantage over Soorma in this regard.
UP Rudras (15 points – 5th)
A win or a draw can take Rudras into the semifinal.
If Soorma lose to Tigers and Rudras vs Dragons ends in a draw, Rudras will need to win the resulting penalty shoot-out to go level on points with Soorma. Then Rudras’ five outright wins will take them through at the expense of Soorma.
Tie-breaker used if teams finish level on points:
1) Number of outright wins
2) Goal difference
3) Number of field goals scored
4) Head-to-head results of the two teams looking at first the number of points, the goal difference and the number of goals scored