Cricket

Dindigul Dragons emerged victorious in the Qualifier 2 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, defeating iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans by a commanding nine wickets at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. The triumph propelled the Dragons into the final, where they will face the winner of Qualifier 1.Left-arm spinner P. Vignesh played a pivotal role in the Dragons' victory, claiming impressive figures of 4-0-8-3. His accurate bowling restricted the Tamizhans to a modest total of 108 runs in 19.4 overs. Varun Chakravarthy also contributed with two wickets, conceding only 17 runs in his four overs.Skipper R. Ashwin's blistering knock of 69 not out off just 30 deliveries proved to be the catalyst for the Dragons' chase. Ashwin, known for his aggressive batting style, smashed 11 boundaries and three sixes, dismantling the Tiruppur bowlers with ease. Vimal Khumar provided valuable support with a 28-run contribution.The Dragons reached the target in a mere 10.5 overs, with Ashwin and Khumar putting on an unbeaten 112-run partnership for the first wicket. Ashwin's half-century came off just 23 deliveries, highlighting his exceptional batting prowess.Earlier, Ashwin's decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a wise move. He dismissed in-form opener Tushar Raheja cheaply, setting the tone for the Tamizhans' batting struggles. The Tiruppur batters were unable to build substantial partnerships, with only S. Ganesh and Maan K. Bafna managing a 42-run stand for the sixth wicket.The Dragons' fielding was equally impressive, with Ashwin taking a stunning catch at mid-on to dismiss Amit Sathvik. The team's spirited effort and disciplined bowling ultimately led to the Tamizhans' downfall.

The Tamil Nadu under-23 cricket team secured a resounding innings and 84-run victory over Kerala on Monday, propelling them to the quarterfinals of the men's Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the team, as it's their first appearance in the knockout stages since the 2017-18 season.Skipper Boopathi Vaishna Kumar emerged as the linchpin of Tamil Nadu's success, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess with two centuries. His leadership and consistent performances have been instrumental in guiding the team to this stage of the competition.Left-arm spinner P. Vignesh played a pivotal role in dismantling Kerala's batting lineup, claiming crucial wickets and restricting their scoring opportunities. His impressive bowling performance proved to be a game-changer, contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu's comprehensive victory.Tamil Nadu coach R. Prasanna expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, acknowledging the talent and potential within the squad. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and determination as they strive to secure the championship trophy.The team's batting and bowling departments have displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. Skipper Boopathi has led from the front with his prolific run-scoring, while ambidextrous batter R.S. Mokit Hariharan has emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with two centuries to his name.The bowling attack, spearheaded by left-arm spinner P. Vidyuth, has made a significant impact, with Vidyuth claiming an impressive 38 wickets in just six matches. His ability to deliver under pressure and contribute with the bat down the order has been a valuable asset to the team.Coach R. Prasanna highlighted the importance of winning the knockout stage as a personal goal, emphasizing the significance of this achievement for the team's growth and development.