MATCH REPORT
Follow UsSai Sudharsan scored a century against Tiruppur Tamizhans, helping Kovai Kings qualify for yet another final in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024.
Initially, the Tiruppur openers came out all guns blazing, amassing 105 runs in just 63 balls after opting to bat first. The man in form, Tushar Raheja, led the charge yet again with an impressive 31-ball 55, marking his third half-century of the season.
During the knock, The wicketkeeper-batter also became the first player to breach the 300-run mark in TNPL 2024. Following Raheja's dismissal, Amith Sathvik took over the attack, smashing seven sixes in his brisk 42-ball 67. However, Kovai managed to claw their way back into the match by dismissing Amith Sathvik and Anirudh Sita Ram in quick succession, shifting the momentum in their favour.
Mohamed Ali's late surge of 23-ball 45* runs then guided Tiruppur to a competitive total of 200 runs in their 20 overs. For Kovai, Shahrukh Khan and Jhathavedh Subramanyan were the top performers with one wicket apiece.
In response, Kovai had a rough start, with both openers falling cheaply. GV Vignesh, making his first appearance of this season, was out for a duck on the first ball of the innings. S Sujay also struggled to make an impact, scoring 19 runs from 18 balls. Suresh Kumar added only five runs, leaving the team at 53/3 by the 8th over.
Sai Sudharsan and U Mukilesh combined forces to add an unbeaten 148 runs for the fourth wicket. Sudharsan, who had struggled throughout the tournament, found his form just when it mattered most for the defending champions. Initially, he took his time to settle in, scoring 20 runs off 15 balls at one point. He accelerated in the 13th over, with the team still needing 105 runs to win.
Sai Sudharsan unleashed a barrage of sixes, including four in just five balls, and reached his century in 48 deliveries, turning the game around with his explosive performance. He also had a bit of luck on his side and made the most of it.
The southpaw finished with an unbeaten 123 off 56 balls, while Mukilesh, who played the second fiddle in their partnership, ended with an unbeaten 48 off 31 balls. With this victory, Lyca Kovai Kings has secured a spot in yet another TNPL final.
Reflecting on the loss, Tiruppur Captain Sai Kishore said, "We batted well at this venue, but credit goes to Sai Sudharsan and Mukilesh for showing up when needed. We will learn from this and come back stronger."
The player of the match, Sai Sudharsan, said, "It is a big honour to win the match for the team. I felt out of form before this game, so I am pleased things worked out. I approached the match with an open mind and aimed to capitalize at the end. The crowd in Dindigul has been fantastic. I also want to acknowledge Mukilesh’s crucial contribution."
Lyca Kovai Kings Captain Shahrukh Khan said, "Sai played a phenomenal innings, and Mukilesh set it up brilliantly. Even though we conceded 200 runs, we are pleased with how things turned out. I am really happy with the team performance and the energy the boys brought. It was truly unbelievable."
Talking about the loss, Tiruppur's Ajith Ram said, "We missed our chance to reach the direct final because of our fielding. We will learn from this mistake and are determined to win the next match."
Reflecting on the win, Yudheeswaran said, "It was an unbelievable win for us. Watching Sai Sudharsan and Mukilesh from the sidelines was thoroughly entertaining."
Brief scores:
Tiruppur Tamizhans 200/3 in 20 overs (Amith Sathvik 67, Tushar Rahej 55; Jhatavedh Subramanyan 1/38) lost to Kovai Kings 201/3 in 18.5 overs (Sai Sudharsan 123*, U Mukilesh 48*; Sai Kishore 1/33) by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Sai Sudharsan
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