Lokesh Raj, third left, is the toast of his teammates.
| Photo Credit: E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN
Four-time champion Chepauk Super Gillies edged defending champion Dindigul Dragons by a narrow eight-run margin, thanks to pacer T. D. Lokesh Raj’s stunning five for 13 in a gripping TNPL clash at the Salem Cricket Foundation ground here on Monday.
Chasing 181, Dindigul openers Shivam Singh and skipper R. Ashwin began with intent as the former smashed two fours off pacer Abhishek Tanwar.
However, left-arm spinner M. Silambarasan broke the opening stand, dismissing Shivam for 13.
B. Indrajith then joined his captain, and the pair kept the scoreboard ticking during the middle phase. They smashed 14 runs off left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh in the 12th over as Super Gillies looked clueless.
Indrajith then took on Vijay Shankar, smashing two maximums in the 16th over, which yielded 19 runs. However, Abhishek returned to dismiss Ashwin and break the 102-run second-wicket partnership, while Lokesh Raj’s triple strike in the 18th over, including the key wicket of Indrajith, brought Super Gillies back into the contest.
With 12 needed off the final over, Lokes held his nerve as he removed Aakash Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy to complete his five-wicket haul and seal a thrilling win for his side.
Earlier, after being asked to bat following a 20-minute rain delay, Super Gillies were reduced to 20 for two as the openers perished cheaply.
B. Aparajith began his innings in style with a boundary. Aparajith and N. Jagadeesan tried to rebuild the innings, but Varun Chakaravarthy’s introduction broke the stand as he dismissed the former. Vijay Shankar followed with a few lusty blows, but Varun struck again to end the 50-run partnership.
Swapnil took on Ashwin, scoring 14 in his over. However, Varun returned in the 16th to claim his third wicket, dismissing the well-set Aparajith. Left-arm spinner D.T. Chandrasekar then castled Swapnil before a late assault from Sunil, supported by S. Dinesh Raj, added 46 runs in the final four overs and helped Super Gillies post a competitive total.
The scores: Chepauk Super Gillies 180/6 in 20 overs (B. Aparajith 56, Sunil Krishna 32 n.o., Varun Chakaravarthy 3/25) bt Dindigul Dragons 172/8 in 20 overs (R. Ashwin 67, B. Indrajith 73, Abhishek Tanwar 2/40, T.D. Lokesh Raj 5/13). Toss:Dragons.
Published – June 16, 2025 11:56 pm IST