That brings an end to our coverage of this game. Keep joining us for more cricketing action all around the globe. For now, this is Akshay Bhide, signing off, on behalf of my co-commentators Arijit Kundu, Karthik Raj and scorer Bishal Mandal. Until next time, cheers and good bye.
Player of the Match: R Sai Kishore.
6:56 PM IST, Local Time: That’s it. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans grab their fifth win of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025. They beat Nellai Royal Kings comprehensively by 69 runs. Not a happy ending for the Royal Kings as they end their campaign with a heavy defeat.
Nellai Royal Kings got off to a disastrous start while chasing 183. Santosh K Duraisamy (0), Athish S R (17) and NS Harish (0) were sent packing inside the powerplay. The Royal Kings reeled at 26/3 at the end of six overs, with G Ajitesh and Rithik Easwaran trying their best to resurrect the innings.
Ajitesh and Easwaran put 51 for the fourth wicket before the former fell on 28. The Royal Kings lost their way post Ajitesh’s departure. Easwaran was the top-scorer for them with 39 as they got bundled out on 113 in 19.4 overs to lose the game by 69 runs.
It was a complete bowling performance from the Tamizhans, with T Natarajan (3/14) being the pick of the bowlers. R Sai Kishore (1/18), S Mohan Prasath (2/28), Esakkimuthu A (1/21), S Mohamed Ali (1/6) and Pradosh Ranjan Paul (1/0) were the other wickets takers as they defended the total successfully.
Earlier, Amith Sathvik and Tushar Raheja gave the Tamizhans a solid start after they were asked to bat first. Both put 65 for the first wicket before Sathvik fell on a well-made 41. Skipper R Sai Kishore joined Rahega who scored 30 before getting dismissed in the 12th over. Sai Kishore held the innings nicely from one end.
Sai Kishore pressed on the accelerator as the death overs approached. He scored 55 off 34 before falling in the last over. He received good suppport from S Mohamed Ali (20) and Uthirasamy Sasidev (13*) as the Tamizhans ended their innings on 182/5. Ramsingh Sonu Yadav (3/33) was the pick of the bowlers for the Super Kings. What followed was a disappointing performance from their batters as they suffered a heavy defeat.
W GONE! Tamizhans strengthen their position in the league table and finish in the second spot. However, Nellai ends up losing the battle and bowing out of the tournament with disappointment and plenty to reflect upon. Length delivery outside the off. The batter goes for the hack and gets the top-edge flying behind the keeper. The fielder from short third moves to his left and takes a good catch despite fumbling in the take.