Who will rule? Sai Kishore’s Tamizhans will look to dethrone Ashwin’s Dragons.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A resurgent Dindigul Dragons stands in the way of IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans’ quest for a maiden TNPL title as the two sides prepare to lock horns in the summit clash at the NPR College ground here on Sunday.
Dragons — like last year — have had to take a circuitous route to the final, beating Trichy Grand Cholas and Chepauk Super Gillies in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, respectively.
R. Ashwin’s men will be on a high after their remarkable victory over Super Gillies on Friday, thanks to R. Vimal Khumar’s swashbuckling knock (65 off 30 balls) in which he smashed 34 runs in an over.
“Tiruppur has the best bowling unit at the moment. It will be a contest between their experienced players and our young line-up”R. AshwinDragons captain
Meanwhile, R. Sai Kishore’s Tamizhans have had an easier path, demolishing CSG in Qualifier 1 and are on a five-match winning streak.
There is not much to choose between the two outfits.
For starters, both are captained by crafty spinners who have a good read of the game, and have led by example through their all-round performances.
The teams are also evenly matched in terms of their bowling strengths.
“It is an honour to have qualified for our first final.
Dindigul is the best in the competition, and it is going to be thrilling to go up against them”Sai KishoreTamizhans skipper
On the batting front, Tamizhans have relied heavily on the prolific form of openers Tushar Raheja and V.P. Amith Sathvik while the other batters have been somewhat inconsistent.
In contrast, the Dragons’ batters have shared the load more equitably and are the only team to chase down totals above 175 thrice. In their previous meeting, Tamizhans handed Dragons a chastening nine-wicket defeat after bundling out the latter for a paltry 93 in Coimbatore and will look to do the double.
Battle-hardened
However, the reigning champion is battle-hardened with experienced campaigners in its line-up as it aims to defend the crown in front of its fans.
Published – July 05, 2025 10:36 pm IST