Debutants Ranchi Rays produced an inspired performance and twice came back from a goal down to beat favourites Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the shoot-out and emerge champions of the third Hero Hockey India league at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Sunday.
India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni co-owned Ranchi Rays fought hard to eke out a 3-2 win in the shoot-out after both the teams were locked at 2-2 in the regulation time of the thrilling summit clash.
Kieran Govers (39th minute) and Christopher Ciriello (56th) scored the goals for Punjab Warriors while Stanli Minz (42nd) and Barry Middleton (57th) were the goal getters for Ranchi Rays in the regulation period.
last year’s champions Delhi Waveriders finished third after beating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2-1 in the third-fourth place play-off match earlier in the day.
With the win Ranchi Rays take home Rs2.50 crore, while Jaypee Punjab Warriors will pocket Rs1.25 crore for finishing in the second position. Third-place Delhi take home Rs75 lakh for their effort.