Qualifier 1, Salem, July 07, 2023, 07:15 PM
193/7(20.0ov)
163/9(20.0ov)
Lyca Kovai Kings beat Dindigul Dragons by 30 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Sachin B
Commentry
Right then, that's all from this game. Kovai have come out on top in Qualifier 1 and will be playing in their second successive final. On the other hand, Dindigul will look to put his defeat behind them as they prepare for Qualifier 2. The playoffs action of the 2023 Tamil Nadu T20 League continues on Saturday, 8th of July, where Madurai will take on Nellai in the Eliminator. The first ball will be bowled at 7.15 pm IST (1.45 pm GMT). As always, you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!
Sachin B is the Player of the Match for his crucial knock of 70 runs from 46 balls.
Earlier in the game, after being put into bat, Kovai were off to a flier courtesy of their openers. S Sujay and Suresh Kumar got going straightaway and ensured that it was a good Powerplay for their side before departing. Sachin B and U Mukilesh took their time initially and laid a solid foundation with an 82-run stand. They did seem to lose their way a bit when Sachin B and Shahrukh Khan were dismissed in quick succession. But, Atheeq Rahman's quickfire cameo helped Kovai cross the 190-run mark. For Dindigul, Subodh Bhati stood out with a four-wicket haul.
As far as Dindigul are concerned, it has been a dismal batting effort from them in a crunch game. They have been given a reality check but will have another shot at making it to the final via Qualifier 2. Coming to the chase, Dindigul were dealt an early blow in the form of Vimal Khumar. Boopathi Kumar and Shivam Singh S got their side off to a sedate start but could not carry on. Dindigul kept losing wickets at regular intervals and could never get going in the chase. Their hopes were reignited through Impact Player Sarath Kumar C's blinder of a knock but it proved to be a bridge too far.
Kovai are through to the final of the 2023 Tamil Nadu T20 League! A dominant bowling display has helped them seal a spot in the final for the second successive time. It was K Gowtham Thamarai Kannan who set the tone for Kovai, striking in the very first over. Moreover, Shahrukh Khan's move to bring himself into the attack inside the Powerplay paid off straight away. The likes of Jhatavedh Subramanyan and M Mohammed joined in on the act as well to pile more misery on Dindigul. C Sarath Kumar did give them a scare with his six-hitting but a quiet penultimate over by K Gowtham Thamarai Kannan helped Kovai seal the deal.
In over# 20
4
0W
2
0
0W
1
Valliappan Yudheeswaran 15/2(2)
19.6
4
Four! The batter lofts this over the infield and bags himself a boundary.
19.5
W
OUT! That is a simple catch to the fielder.
19.4
2
2 runs, this time the batter goes back and punches it from the crease for a couple of runs.
19.3
.
No run. Swing and a miss! The batter swings hard at that one but does not connect.
19.2
W
OUT.
19.1
1
1 run, that is punched off the back foot for a single.
In over# 19
6
0
0
0
0
1
K Gowtham Thamarai Kannan 33/2(4)
18.6
6
Six! There comes the switch hit and there goes the ball. Way over the covers fence for half a dozen.
18.5
.
No run. Play and a miss! The batter wasn't quite sure how to play that one.
18.4
.
No run, the batter comes forward and plays the off drive but it is a dot ball.
18.3
.
No run, beaten! Lovely bowling as the batter is defeated all ends up.
18.2
.
No run, that is a cracking pull off the back foot, but for no run.
18.1
1
1 run, that is lofted away for a single.
In over# 18
1
0
1
0
6
2
M Mohammed 26/3(4)