Cricket

Shivam Singh's whirlwind century (106 not out off 57 balls) propelled Dindigul Dragons to a commanding 30-run victory over Siechem Madurai Panthers in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The triumph secured Dragons' berth in the playoffs, while Panthers' hopes were dashed.Singh's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, particularly against the spinners. Seven of his 10 sixes came off the tweakers. He began cautiously, but a miscued slog sweep off M. Ashwin in the ninth over seemed to ignite his aggression.Undeterred, Singh launched the next delivery for a maximum over deep mid-wicket. From there, his innings exploded like a rocket. He hooked Ajay Krishnan for a six over deep fine-leg, followed by a gorgeous inside-out shot for another maximum over deep cover.In the 15th over, Singh unleashed a barrage of three consecutive sixes off V.S. Karthick Manikandan, two over deep midwicket and one behind deep square-leg. His fifty came off just 29 balls, a testament to his blistering pace.In the chase, only S. Lokeshwar threatened Dragons with a 37-ball 55 (3x4, 4x6). However, the Panthers' batting lineup failed to keep up with the required run rate, falling short by 30 runs.