Ranchi Royals punched their ticket to the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 final with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Hyderabad Toofans in Qualifier-2, played amid electric atmosphere at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Hockey Stadium. The match’s architect was Tom Boon, whose hat-trick in the 13th, 15th, and 34th minutes proved decisive.
Hyderabad Toofans drew first blood in spectacular fashion. In the 5th minute, Rajinder Singh’s mazy run evaded three Ranchi defenders, culminating in a precise pass for Jacob Anderson to flick home the 1-0 lead.
Ranchi Royals hit back immediately, converting two penalty corners into pure gold. Boon, fed by Manpreet Singh’s drags, buried strikes at the 13th and 15th-minute marks, turning the tables to lead 2-1 after a pulsating opening quarter.
The second quarter was a stalemate despite fervent attacks, preserving the scoreline at halftime. Ranchi emerged stronger after the break, with Boon completing his treble from a 34th-minute penalty corner, nutmegging the keeper for a commanding 3-1 advantage.
Hyderabad’s Amandeep Lakra sparked a comeback with a classy goal in the 38th minute, closing the deficit to one. The closing quarter was fraught with tension, as Toofans piled on pressure via penalty corners but faltered in execution. Ranchi Royals absorbed the onslaught, clinching the win and setting up a mouthwatering final against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers on Monday.
Boon’s masterclass and Ranchi’s composure signal their readiness to claim HIL glory.