Waveriders favourites against Wizards in 1st semifinal of HHIL

Going by form as well as reputation, Delhi Waveriders would start overwhelming favourites against Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the first semifinal of the second Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) here tomorrow.
The Waveriders, who lost to title holders Ranchi Rhinos in the summit clash last year at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium here, ended their league engagements on the second spot with 39 points from 10 games ahead of the Wizards.
The Wizards endured a mixed form this year and finished their league campaign on third position with 28 points from 10 matches.
Having won seven, lost two and drawn one game, the Waveriders, however, had a much better outing in the league stages compared to the Wizards, who tasted just four victories in the tournament this year.

On head-to-head record this year, the Sardar Singh-led side has a better record than the Wizards.
While the match between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, the Waveriders recorded a close 4-3 win over the Wizards in their next meeting this year.
But come tomorrow, it will be a completely different ball game as there would be immense pressure on both the teams and a bad day in office would definitely ruin their title hopes.
Under new coach Cedric D'souza, the Delhi outfit has looked a formidable side.