MATCH REPORT
Follow UsDindigul Dragons bowlers, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin's (69 off 30) batting blitz, took down Tiruppur Tamizhans to reach the final of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024.
The Dindigul Dragons dominated the match from the outset after deciding to bowl first against Tiruppur. Ravichandran Ashwin struck early, dismissing the in-form Tushar Raheja in his first over.
Following this, a succession of wickets put Tiruppur on the back foot, and they struggled to get into the game. Maan K Bafna (26 off 19) and S Ganesh (17 off 16) attempted to mount a recovery, similar to their effort against Trichy Grand Cholas, but their resistance was shortlived. They managed a 43-run partnership for the sixth wicket, with Bafna giving a glimmer of hope with his 19-ball 26 and Ganesh adding 17. After their departure, Tiruppur failed to regain momentum and ended their innings at 108/10 in 19.4 overs.
Dindigul's spinners led the charge, with the 19-year-old P Vignesh delivering an outstanding performance of 3/8 from his four overs. Subodh Bhati and Varun Chakravarthy picked up two wickets, while Ashwin and Sandeep Warrier each took one wicket apiece. In response, Ashwin led the chase from the front as Dindigul finished the match within 11 overs. The Dindigul captain scored back-to-back half-centuries, remaining unbeaten with 69 off 30.
Vimal Khumar played the perfect second fiddle for Ashwin in their opening partnership of 81, scoring 28 runs off 27 balls. He departed in the ninth over to P Bhuvaneswaran. By then, the game was already out of reach for Tiruppur as Dindigul won the match in the next over by nine wickets.
Talking about the loss, Tiruppur's Sai Kishore regretted things not going to plan.
“We have had a good season overall, especially the youngsters, but things didn't go as planned today. This season has motivated me to come back even stronger next year. Best of luck to Kovai and Dindigul in the final,” Kishore said.
Reflecting on the team performance, Dindigul’s P Vignesh remarked that sticking to his routine worked well for him.
“I had great interactions with Varun Chakravarthy and Ashwin throughout the season, which has been incredibly helpful. Having clear role definitions made things much easier for me. I stuck to my routine, and it worked well. Discussing the win, Dindigul's R Ashwin said, We have not yet played to our full potential, but I hope we will step up in the final,” Vignesh said.
“I am doing my best to share my experience and knowledge with the younger players on the team. I want them to give their all in every match, and when they fall short, I try to guide them in any way I can.”
Meanwhile Tiruppur's Bafna wished that his team put more runs on the board.
“If our batters had put more runs on the board, our bowlers would have had a better chance to challenge Dindigul batters. I am confident that we will make a strong impact next season.”
Dindigul will now face the Kovai Kings in the final of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024 on August 4.
Brief scores
Tiruppur Tamizhans 108/10 in 19.4 overs (Maan Bafna 26, S Ganesh 17; Vignesh Puthur 3/8 ) lost to Dindigul Dragons 112/1 (Ravichandran Ashwin 69*, Vimal Khumar 28; P Bhuvaneswaran 1/22 ) by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Vignesh Puthur
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