In what will go down as one the greatest matches in Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) history, the Nellai Royal Kings thumped Dindigul Dragons in dramatic fashion in Qualifier 2 at Indian Cement Company Ground in Tirunelveli on July 10 (Monday). Needing 37 runs from last 12 deliveries, the Kings royally stormed into the final after Rithik Easwaran exploded in stunning fashion. The 21-year-old wicket-keeper batter pummelled six sixes, including four in the penultimate over and one on the last ball of the match that ensured a sensational victory for Nellai.
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Chasing a steep target of 186 runs in a do-or-die game, the Royal Kings got off to a decent start as skipper Arun Karthik played a cameo of 26 runs in 15 balls. Ajitesh Guruswamy, who walked to bat at No.3, anchored the run chase in a sublime manner and remained unbeaten on 73 runs off 44 balls. During his knock, Guruswamy smacked five sixes and as many fours.
With pressure and required run rate mounting rapidly, Nellai needed a miracle. And lucky enough for them, Easwaran donned the avatar of a miracle man for his franchise. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 39 runs off 11 balls and deposited six balls into the stands before the Royal Kings won the last-ball thriller.
Aushik Srinivas and Varun Chakaravarthy were the only bowlers for Dindigul who managed to pick wickets on the evening. Both bowlers bagged a wicket each.
Earlier, the Dragons posted a score of 185/5 in 20 overs. Opener Shivam Singh played a fantastic knock of 76 runs off 46 balls with the help of four fours and six sixes. Boopathi Kumar chipped in with a handy contribution of 41 runs off 28 balls.
For Nellai, Sonu Yadav was the pick of all bowlers as he finished with two wickets. Sandeep Warrier, M Poiyamozhi and Lakshay Jain S bagged a wicket each.Â
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