DD vs MP

That brings us to the end of our coverage for this encounter from the TNPL. Till the next time, this is myself (Arya Sekhar Chakraborty) signing off also on behalf of my fellow commentator and good mate Bala. Goodnight! Cheers! 

Baba Indrajith: The bowlers set it up for us. The wicket was a little tacky I would say. I won't say this was my best performance as I want to perform even better in the coming games. It was not only about getting a fifty but I wanted to stay not out till the end. I had batted lower down the order in the previous years but have been given a role in the top order this season and I am clear about my role. 

Dindigul Dragons won by 7 wickets (with 35 deliveries to spare)

Dindigul Dragons 124/3 in 14.1 overs

Baba Indrajith 78*(48) | Adithya Ganesh 22*(22)
Gurjapneet Singh 3/19(4) | Murugan Ashwin 0/11(2.1)

That was a thoroughly professional run chase from the Dindigul Dragons as they made light work of the target of 124 and chased it down with 35 deliveries to spare. At one stage, they were staring down the barrel having lost 3 quick wickets, it was a brilliant knock from Baba Indrajith who stitched an unbeaten stand with Adithya Ganesh to see his side through with utmost ease. 

It was Gurjapneet Singh who started the slide for the Dragons in the powerplay, bagging the wickets of Shivam Singh, Vimal Kumar and S Arun. He hit the deck hard and then changed it up with away swingers. Having reduced them to 32/3, the Madurai Panthers had a spring in their steps but Baba Indrajith ensured that the hopes of an unlikely victory for the Panthers were put to rest. 

Indrajith who generally bats in the lower middle order cashed in on the opportunity presented in the middle order and batted with authority. He looked to take the attack to every bowler and it was Washington Sundar who was at the receiving end of his onslaught. The experienced offie was smashed for 26 runs in an over as he remained unbeaten on 76 and quite rightfully struck the winning runs.

14.1 Murugan Ashwin to Baba Indrajith, tossed up wide of the off-stump. Indrajith slices it past backward point. The fielder at sweeper cover cuts it off but he can't prevent the second run

Gurjapneet Singh is not ready to bow down without a fight. He kept it tight in that over despite knowing that the match has been put to bed. Very late to bring him back, he had just one over left but could have been bowled out early. 

13.6 Gurjapneet Singh to Adithya Ganesh, slower delivery on a length outside off. Once again generates extra bounce off the surface and goes past the batter

13.4 Gurjapneet Singh to Baba Indrajith, slower ball full and close to the off-stump. Big swing across the line but misses. The keeper fumbles and allows an extra

13.2 Gurjapneet Singh to Baba Indrajith, FOUR! Nicely played! Good length marginally outside off. Picks it on the up and lobs it over mid-off, one bounce into the fence

13.1 Gurjapneet Singh to Baba Indrajith, moves right across the stumps and attempts a pick up shot. Gets hit on the pad in the effort. Bit of a shout but the impact is well outside the off-stump

Adithya Ganesh showing some respect to the experienced leggie Murugan Ashwin. The result is a foregone conclusion so they can afford to take their time and finish it off. Indrajith won't take too much time and this could be the over where he gets it done for the Dragons. 

12.6 Murugan Ashwin to Adithya Ganesh, good length ball around the off-stump. Defends it on the off-side. Ganesh wants a single but Indrajith sends him back