HIL Highlights: UP Rudras beats Kalinga Lancers – Updates, Results, Scores, Blog

12' - Good stuff from Lancers

The Kalinga Lancers are now creating chances. Three good circle penetrations, but the UP Rudras defence has held things up well. The Lancers are coming alive.

Rudras 0-0 Lancers 

9' - UP Rudras continue to press

The UP Rudras continue to press forward and they seem in control. The Kalinga Lancers haven't had a lot of possession either.

Rudras 0-0 Lancers 

4' - Shot off target

UP Rudras get their first real chance. Sudeep Chirmako gets the ball inside the circle. He turns 180-degree and takes a shot, but thankfully for the Lancers it is wide of the far post. 

Rudras 0-0 Lancers 

3' - UP Rudras eager to attack

The UP Rudras are eager to attack and are pressing up ahead. For a major part of the first two minutes, they had the control but the Kalinga Lancers penetrate the circle soon after. Angad Bir Singh with some good skills inside the circle for the Lancers, but the Rudras clear it away.

1' - We are underway

The Kalinga Lancers start with the possession as we get underway at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. 

Moments away from the start

We are moments away from the start. The players stride out and line up on the centre of the pitch. The usual player introductions before the Indian national anthem and then the start.

The toss is done

UP Rudras and Hardik Singh seemed to have won the toss and chosen the side. 

STARTING 11s

The starting 11s are out for both teams. Surprisingly, goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Phatak has the captain's band for the Kalinga Lancers with Zalewski not starting.

Goood Eveninggg!

Hello and a warm welcome to The Bridge's coverage of the Hockey India League as UP Rudras take on Kalinga Lancers in Rourkela. 

These are the only two teams yet to play a match following the HIL's return after a seven-year hiatus on Saturday. 

The Lancers, led by Aran Zalewski, will have a strong home crowd backing them at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, and the Rudras might just feel the pressure.

Stay tuned for all the updates!