TNPL: Trichy Grand Cholas batters redeem themselves with 28-run win
Trichy Grand Cholas beat Dindigul Dragons by 28 runs at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in a Tamil Nadu Premier League match on Wednesday, defending a DLS target of 199 after posting 197 for four in a rain-reduced 19-over innings; Dindigul finished 170 for eight in 19 overs.
The result followed a poor run for Grand Cholas earlier in the competition: they had been bowled out for 85 and suffered a 116-run defeat to Vida Kovai Kings at Dindigul. The TNPL’s PIN code shifting to the State capital from Dindigul was credited in the report as bringing out stronger batting displays for the Tiruchi side.
Openers K. Rajkumar and J. Suresh Kumar put Trichy on course with a 118-run opening stand, Rajkumar making 71 off 42 balls (9x4, 3x6) and Suresh 60 off 41 balls (7x4, 3x6). Rajkumar was striking boundaries freely until rain began about 15 minutes into the match; a 45-minute interruption led to the match being reduced to 19 overs per side.
Viju Arul briefly halted the scoring in the Trichy innings by dismissing K. Rajkumar and R. Rajkumar, but Jafar Jamal’s quick 21 off nine balls (3x6) and Sanjay Yadav’s unbeaten 33 helped take the total to 197 for four in 19 overs.
In reply, Shivam Singh (47 off 28, 8x4) and B. Indrajith (32 off 22, 4x4, 1x6) added 73 runs in 43 balls for the second wicket to keep Dindigul in the chase, while R.K. Jayant (Impact Player) finished 34 not out. Antony Dhas returned figures of three for 25 and, after having dropped Shivam earlier, removed Indrajith and an opener during the chase.
K. Easwaran claimed four for 25 as Dindigul’s pursuit faltered, leaving them 170 for eight in 19 overs and handing Trichy a 28-run victory under the DLS-adjusted target. Full match summary: Trichy Grand Cholas 197/4 in 19 overs (K. Rajkumar 71, J. Suresh Kumar 60, Sanjay Yadav 33 n.o., Viju Arul 2/30) bt Dindigul Dragons 170/8 in 19 overs (Shivam Singh 47, B. Indrajith 32, R.K. Jayant (Impact Player) 34 n.o., K. Easwaran 4/25, Antony Dhas 3/25); DLS target 199 in 19 overs.
Thursday’s scheduled TNPL fixtures are Madurai Panthers vs. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans at 3.30 p.m. and Nellai Royal Kings vs. SKM Salem Spartans at 7.30 p.m.
