The iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans secured a thrilling victory over the Trichy Grand Cholas, claiming a 47-run win and securing a coveted playoff spot in the eighth season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The match, held at the NPR College cricket ground in Natham on Saturday, saw a crucial 84-run partnership between Maan K. Bafna (50, 35b, 4×4, 1×6) and S. Ganesh (39, 37b, 5×4), propelling Tiruppur from a precarious 67 for six in 7.5 overs to a respectable 169 for eight.
Left-arm seamer T. Natarajan (three for 6) and left-arm spinners S. Ajith Ram (three for 30) and R. Sai Kishore (two for 29) were instrumental in restricting Trichy’s chase. Sai Kishore, in particular, claimed both his wickets, including big-hitter Sanjay Yadav’s, in the same over. Natarajan and Ajith Ram also claimed two wickets each in the same over, highlighting their dominance.
While Trichy’s chase lacked the desired momentum, there were a couple of noteworthy highlights. Nirmal Kumar launched a blistering attack, hitting off-spinner Mohamed Ali for three consecutive sixes to deep midwicket. R. Rajkumar also executed a spectacular reverse-sweep off Sai Kishore for a six to deep third man, showcasing moments of individual brilliance.
In another nail-biting encounter, Lyca Kovai Kings emerged victorious over SKM Salem Spartans. Skipper Shahrukh Khan (50, 18b, 1×4, 6×6) spearheaded Kovai’s chase, smashing the fastest fifty (17b) of the season. His explosive innings, coupled with opener Sujay’s 48 (39b, 5×4, 1×6), steered Kovai into a position where they needed a late surge.
Shahrukh delivered in the final overs, hitting left-arm spinner Aushik Srinivas for two consecutive sixes. With 31 off 22, he continued his onslaught against Harish Kumar’s slower balls, smashing back-to-back sixes before flicking over square leg for four. However, Poiyamozhi’s impressive spell, including the dismissal of Shahrukh, left Kovai needing four runs from two overs with two wickets in hand.
Despite a tense finish, Kovai held their nerve. Jhathavedh Subramanyan played out two balls, taking a crucial single before Siddharth edged Sunny Sandhu to third man for four, sealing a narrow victory for Kovai. Tiruppur’s win has joined them with Lyca Kovai Kings, Chepauk Super Gillies, and Dindigul Dragons in the playoffs, setting the stage for thrilling post-season competition.
