CSG VS DD ELIMINATOR

Phew, this game zigzagged through and through, but in the end, the Dindigul Dragons, despite stuttering fairly, did manage to cross the line. They have defeated the Chepauk Super Gillies for the first time in the TNPL playoffs, and Ravichandran Ashwin will surely take a sigh of relief after a dramatic end. This marks the end of the journey for the four-time title holders, Chepauk Super Gillies. The Dragons will now fly off to Chennai for their next challenge. As the finale is still one hurdle away from them. They will meet the Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans in Qualifier 2, and the winner of that game will meet the Lyca Kovai Kings in the grand finale. The prestigious and historic MA Chidambaram Stadium of Chennai will be at the centre stage to host the Q2 and the Finale. Qualifier 2 will be played on August 2, Friday and the first ball will be bowled at 7.15 pm IST (1345 GMT).  Till then, folks, cheers and take care!

The skipper of Dindigul Dragons, Ravichandran Ashwin is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant contribution with the bat. His rapid 57 (35) really set the tone for the chase and provided a solid foundation.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

Earlier in the game, CSG was sent into bat on a track that had earlier witnessed a 200+ score being both set and chased. The pitch, hard and dry, promised a run-fest, but CSG's innings never quite hit top gear. Baba Aparajith was gifted a lifeline early on, and made the most of his reprieve. He anchored the innings, waging a solitary battle against the Dragons' bowling attack. As the overs ticked by, the vastly experienced Abhishek Tanwar joined the fray, providing crucial support in the death overs. Despite the batting-friendly surface, the Dragons managed to keep a lid on the scoring rate, rotating their bowlers effectively. However, their fielding left much to be desired, with several misfields and dropped chances marring an otherwise disciplined bowling performance. But, moving forward into Qualifier 2, they surely would like to correct their basics in the outfield.

The match's dramatic conclusion left both teams with much to ponder. CSG, while putting up a valiant fight, were left questioning their earlier batting performance. The inability to post those crucial extra 20-25 runs in the middle overs, on a track that seemed to be a belter, had indeed proven costly. Despite a below-par total, CSG fought tooth and nail to defend it. A bright spot emerged in the form of debutant Prem Kumar, who impressed with his bowling, claiming the prized wicket of Ashwin and adding another scalp to his tally. His performance, along with the team's resilience, managed to stretch the game to the final over, injecting tension into what had seemed a straightforward chase.

Just when victory seemed assured for the Dragons, the match took a sudden and dramatic twist. The scoreboard, which had been cruising at a comfortable 115/1 at 13.2 overs, suddenly read a precarious 138/5 in 16.3. This collapse, seeing a procession of quick wickets fall in rapid succession, breathed new life into the contest. The Dragons' batters were their own worst enemies in this period, executing a series of rash shots that threatened to derail their chase. Had they been pursuing a more challenging target in the 180s, such impetuous stroke play could have proven disastrous.

The Dragons did lose the first one pretty early into the chase but Ashwin, on a bold self-promotion at number 3 took the bowlers to the cleaners from the word go. It looked like they were batting on a whole different track as compared to their opposition who really couldn't gather up in the batting. He scored quick runs and ensured that the asking rate didn't get out of reach. He mounted a pivotal 113-run stand along with Shivam Singh. Both notched up their respective fifties and ran unbeaten through the mid overs, sustaining a good scoring rate and playing a percentage cricket.

Aren't you entertained? What an absolute blockbuster of an Eliminator we have had at our disposal. After huffing and puffing, the Dindigul Dragons have finally managed to beat the Chepauk Super Gillies in the knockouts for the first ever time. Both sides did equally commit a lot of errors in the field, but those two dropped catches towards the backend really cost the Super Gillies dearly. But, to be fair, they were always fighting an uphill task to defend 158. However, kudos to them for not making it a lopsided affair.

FOUR! Glorious cover drive here! Fuller one, on off, Dinesh Raj S leans forward and creams it past covers for a boundary. Dindigul Dragons beat Chepauk Super Gillies by 4 wickets!

Discussion! Plans! Strategies! Everything is going around in the middle right now!

Full again, on middle, Subodh Bhati flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. 2 needed off 2 now! Super over, anyone?

Dot! Full, on off, Subodh Bhati looks to slog it but gets a bottom edge as the ball bounces back towards the bowler. Dinesh Raj S runs halfway but goes back.

Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Subodh Bhati looks to sweep it but misses.

Lands it down leg, Dinesh Raj S looks to play a reverse sweep but misses and the ball hits his thighs and rolls towards square leg. They collect a leg bye.

Dear, oh, dear! No one can predict what can happen in a T20 game! A seesaw of emotions in both camps. Dinesh Raj S is the new batter in. 5 needed off the 5 remaining balls now.

OUT! TAKEN! The momentum of the game is just shifting from one corner to another here. A low full toss, on off, Sarath Kumar C gets low and looks to loft it but mistimes his stroke. The ball carries towards wide long on. Baba Aparajith keeps his composure near the fence and takes a good catch.

OUT! TAKEN! The momentum of the game is just shifting from one corner to another here. A low full toss, on off, Sarath Kumar C gets low and looks to loft it but mistimes his stroke. The ball carries towards wide long on. Baba Aparajith keeps his composure near the fence and takes a good catch.

Both sides have equally been sloppy on the field in this game. Also, Chepauk Super Gillies are penalised as they couldn't start the last over in time. One extra fielder will have to be inside the 30-yard circle. It will be Rahil Shah to bowl the final over.