The contest appeared to be heading in PNB’s favour during the opening exchanges as they dictated play and capitalised on their opportunities. PNB’s dominance was rewarded in the 14th minute when Neeraj executed a brilliant individual effort. After winning possession near the left sideline, he navigated past two defenders and slotted the ball past goalkeeper K.K. Tharun Ganapathy to open the scoring.
Karnataka’s second-half resurgence
The momentum remained with PNB shortly after, as they doubled their advantage in the 16th minute. Gursimran Singh successfully converted a penalty corner with a precise drag-flick. Although goalkeeper Tharun Ganapathy managed to get a touch on the ball, the power of the strike ensured it found the back of the net, leaving Karnataka trailing by two goals at the interval.
The complexion of the game shifted significantly after the break, with Karnataka displaying greater urgency and tactical cohesion. Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute through a well-constructed attacking move. Maji Ganesh provided the link-up play, finding Bhrath Mahalingappa Kurtakot, who directed the ball into the path of C.J. Rahul to finish and reduce the deficit.
With the pressure mounting on the PNB defence, G. Vishwas levelled the score in the 52nd minute, completing the comeback. Karnataka pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, earning two penalty corners within the final three minutes of play. However, they were unable to convert these opportunities, and the match concluded in a stalemate.
In other action at the tournament, the Pool-B fixture saw the Indian Navy secure a convincing 5-2 victory over SAI-NCOE Bhopal. The Navy’s goals came from Rajat Sharma, Ashis Topno, Nitesh, Sundra Pandi, and K. Selvaraj, while Mohammed Zaid Khan and Bhrat Kaushik scored for the Bhopal side.
