Nellai Royal Kings Secure Final Berth with Thrilling Victory on the back of 33 Runs in one over :
In a breathtaking encounter on July 10, Monday, Nellai Royal Kings clinched a spot in the finals of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2023. The Qualifier 2 match, held in Tirunelveli, witnessed a fierce battle between Nellai Royal Kings and Dindigul Dragons. After winning the toss, Vimal Khumar’s Dragons elected to bat first and set a challenging target of 186 runs. Shivam Singh emerged as the standout performer, displaying his prowess with a remarkable 46-ball 76.
Nellai Royal Kings commenced their chase with a blazing start, courtesy of their captain Arun Karthik’s quickfire 15-ball 26. However, P Sugendhiran and Nidhish Rajagopal encountered some difficulties in the middle overs, scoring 22 off 24 balls and 26 off 27 balls, respectively. Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Sugendhiran, while Rajagopal retired out, making way for Rithik Easwaran. At that point, Ajitesh Guruswamy and Easwaran found themselves in a precarious situation, requiring 56 runs from 21 balls to secure victory.
With the game slipping away from their grasp, the duo had no choice but to adopt an aggressive approach, launching an all-out assault on every delivery. In the subsequent nine balls, they accumulated 19 runs, reducing the equation to 37 runs from 12 balls. Seizing the opportunity, Khumar entrusted the relatively inexperienced pacer, G Kishoor, with the responsibility of bowling the penultimate over.
Easwaran seized the moment, launching a remarkable onslaught on the 23-year-old, smashing the first three deliveries for sixes. Kishoor managed to regain his composure on the fourth ball, conceding only a single. However, Guruswamy responded with a resounding six on the fifth ball. Under immense pressure, Kishoor delivered a high full-toss, which was rightly deemed a no-ball. Easwaran took the striker’s end after a single was taken off the free hit. The last ball of the over witnessed yet another six, as an astonishing 33 runs were amassed in the over.
Heading into the final over, Nellai Royal Kings required a mere four runs to secure victory. Subodh Bhati managed to build the tension by taking the game down to the last ball with one run still needed. However, Easwaran remained composed and struck a six off Bhati’s low full-toss, finishing unbeaten on 39 runs off just 11 balls. Guruswamy also stood undefeated, delivering a sensational knock of 73 runs off 44 balls, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Nellai Royal Kings, displaying an extraordinary display of power hitting, emerged triumphant, propelling them to the final of TNPL 2023. They will face off against the formidable Lyca Kovai Kings, led by the charismatic Shahrukh Khan, in the highly anticipated summit clash on July 12, Wednesday, in Tirunelveli. Lyca Kovai Kings secured their spot in the final by defeating Dindigul Dragons by 30 runs in the Qualifier 1 held in Salem last week.
Lyca Kovai Kings’ Path to the Finals
The journey of Lyca Kovai Kings in the TNPL 2023 has been nothing short of remarkable. Led by the enigmatic Shahrukh Khan, the team has showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their thrilling victory against Dindigul Dragons in the Qualifier 1 demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and seize victory when it mattered most.
Batting first, Lyca Kovai Kings posted a challenging total, with their batsmen showcasing their mettle. The team’s top-order batsmen, led by Shahrukh Khan himself, displayed their class and composure, setting the stage for an imposing total. With contributions from the middle order, Lyca Kovai Kings managed to accumulate a formidable score, leaving the opposition with a steep mountain to climb.
However, it was their bowlers who truly stole the show. With a potent bowling attack at their disposal, Lyca Kovai Kings wreaked havoc on the Dindigul Dragons’ batting lineup. The bowlers executed their plans to perfection, consistently hitting the right lengths and lines, denying the opposition any significant momentum.
Their disciplined approach, coupled with their ability to strike at regular intervals, ensured that the Dindigul Dragons fell well short of the target. Lyca Kovai Kings’ journey to the finals has been an embodiment of teamwork, resilience, and sheer brilliance. Their blend of experienced campaigners and young talents has proved to be a winning formula. As they prepare to face Nellai Royal Kings in the final, fans can expect an enthralling contest between two power-packed sides vying for TNPL glory.