Rourkela, Jan. 1 -- Soorma Hockey Club is set to take on the UP Rudras in their second match of Hero Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Soorma comes into the game on the back of a bonus point earned in a shootout, following a 1-1 draw against the Tamil Nadu Dragons in their opener. Meanwhile, the UP Rudras secured three points in their first match with a commanding 3-1 victory over the Kalinga Lancers.

In their opener, Soorma Hockey Club dominated key metrics, including possession, shots, and circle entries. Reflecting on their first match, Head Coach Jeroen Baart said the first goal opened up the game a bit.

"I think the first half was a bit of a chess game, whereas the third quarter saw both teams pick up momentum....