Sports Odisha looked to control the game with their slow build-up play from the start, but Mata Rukmani were in a destructive move, often pressing high up the pitch to induce a few unforced errors. However, the Sports Odisha defence managed to thwart off the threat for majority of the first half, before opening the scoring just minutes before the half-time break.

Three goals in quick succession right at the end of the first half turned the tide in favour of Sports Odisha. A miscued backpass by Nilima Khakha presented Deepa Nayak with the opportunity to break the deadlock, as she rounded off the keeper and slotted it home. Thereafter, Deepa scored another after a good interception, while Pyari Xaxa added a third, scoring off a header from a corner.

The three goals at the end of the first-half, seemed to have given more impetus to Sports Odisha, who came out with much more intent. Pyari scored her second with a tap-in on the 51st minute, before setting up Deepa’s hat-trick.

In the last quarter of the game, Pyari once again found the net to complete her own hattrick, making it 6-0 for Sports Odisha. Deepa Nayak netted here fourth goal in added time, as she slipped one past the keeper, to finally make it 7-0 in favour of Sports Odisha.
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TOP: Deepa Nayak Sports Odisha receives the Player of the Match prize after scoring four goals in their last IWL match against Mata Rukmani FC in Bhubaneswar on 26 May 2022.
RIGHT: Sports Odisha striker Pyari Xaxa in action during their last IWL match against Mata Rukmani FC in Bhubaneswar on 26 May 2022.