ITT VS TGC MATCH 26

And with that, we come to a wrap from Saturday's proceedings. Shahrukh's Lyca Kovai Kings showed why they were table toppers while Tiruppur created history. Over to Sunday, for dead rubbers in terms of qualification, but both qualified teams have one eye on reaching Qualifier 1. Chepauk Super Gillies take on Siechem Madurai Panthers in the afternoon while the evening game sees the clash between Nellai Royal Kings and Dindigul Dragons. The action begins from 3.15 pm IST (0945 GMT), but you can tune in much earlier, for all the build-up. In addition, you can catch all the action from the different T20 Leagues and also the two Test matches going on in the UK. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Right then! We did mention that if the winner of this game wins by a big margin, they could shoot upto number 2 and Tiruppur have done that. Now, it all depends on what happens on Sunday, as even if one amongst Chepauk Super Gillies or Dindigul Dragons win their final game, the Tamizhans will be pushed down to either third or fourth. Spare a thought for Trichy. They showed some fierce character in this season and nearly turned things around, but it wasn't to be. But, as their captain said, to not win a single game in 2023 and to get to just a win away from making it to the playoffs in the next season shows what a remarkable turnaround they had. Maybe, come 2025, they can go further, perhaps even all the way.

Victorious IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans captain, SAI KISHORE, is beaming with confidence. Says that to turn things around from the position they were in, shows the character of the team. On his return from injury, Kishore says that the body is recovering well and he did not want to push himself. But in this game, because of the conditions, he came pretty early. Praises Maan Bafna for his innings in crisis, detailing that because of the team combination, Bafna could not play earlier. On his thoughts of possibly finishing in the top 2, Sai cheekily says that he has played for Chepauk Super Gillies in the past and hopes that they lose their last game and do a favour on Tiruppur.

Tiruppur's T NATARAJAN HAS BEEN NAMED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH. Says that he is feeling very happy, having won a must-win game. Is happier to win IN Dindigul, as this is where he began his competitive cricketing career. Admits that they always aimed to qualify for the playoffs but were pushed back at the start of the season, losing due to an inexperienced young bunch of players. But thanks the management for believing in them for turning things around. Has a great shower of praise for Maan Bafna and S Ganesh, as he feels that for winning on this pitch, which had some spin, some swing and some lateral movement, 160 was a bare minimum. Feels that to score a 50 in his very first game of the season bodes well for Bafna.

Trichy Grand Cholas skipper, ANTONY DHAS, says that his team started well in the first 6 overs and reduced Tiruppur to 6 down as well, but credits Maan Bafna and S Ganesh for taking the game away. Rues the dropped catches and missed run outs for the defeat. But overall, feels that 2024 was much better for Trichy Grand Cholas and praises his entire unit. As a positive for Trichy this season, Antony credits the process which was set up at the drawing board, correcting all the mistakes from the previous season. Thanks the support staff for its hard work for close to two months. Is proud of the way his team executed the plans. Feels unfortunate for not being able to win in this game, but is happy overall for Trichy's progress.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the game, Trichy Grand Cholas won an important toss and chose to chase. They stuck to their task almost immediately and had Tiruppur on the ropes, only to be let down by some sloppy fielding and an in-form Maan Bafna, who made an astonishing 50 (35), supported well by S Ganesh's 39. V Athisayaraj Davidson was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/32, and ironically, Trichy were in control for almost 80 percent of the first innings. But that's why T20 cricket is so exciting. In that remaining 20 percent of the first innings, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans stole the game away. Please stay tuned for the presentation...

At the innings break, we did feel that Trichy had conceded 15-20 runs too many. And eventually, those extra runs towards the end, handed the momentum to Tiruppur. The Trichy batters, who had been excellent throughout the season, crumbled in their most important game, with only Nirmal Kumar crossing 20, making 46. A batting debacle it was and sadly for them, it came at the game before the playoffs.

A special mention to Sai Kishore's captaincy as well. He rotated his bowlers pretty much perfectly. Around the 12th over mark, the game was in the balance, but he got his strike bowler, T Natarajan back on and he delivered, taking 2 wickets in the 14th over. But the buck did not stop there as Kishore went for the kill and as we can see it, the game has finished with more than 3 overs to spare. T Natarajan picked up 3 wickets while S Ajith Ram picked up 3 as well, but everyone in general was excellent for the Tamizhans.

The Tamizhans are a happy bunch. And so should they be. What were they thinking when their scoreboard read 67/6? Probably what the great Kapil Dev was thinking during that famous innings break when Pakistan had bowled out India for 125 - only to see India roar back and bowl them out back for 87. Tiruppur stuck to their plans pretty early, not giving an inch to the opposition batters. They started well in the Powerplay, conceding only 3/31. Then, they got a brief resistance from Nirmal Kumar and Sanjay Yadav, but once they dismissed the most expensive player in the TNPL auctions, 2024, Sanjay, they just gatecrashed Trichy's party.

Oh my, dear Sai, are you the lucky charm for Tiruppur? For the first time in TNPL history, Tiruppur have gone beyond the league stage. And full credit to skipper Sai Kishore, who has shepherded the responsibility in the absence of regular skipper, Vijay Shankar.

OUT! CAUGHT! That reprieve does not last long. Flighted outside off, slower through the air, V Athisayaraj Davidson looks to go for the slog sweep but is beaten for pace this time. The ball comes way after the bat has completed the swing and takes the top edge. It goes high in the air and the substitute fielder, Mathivannan M, takes a good catch, running back from cover. IDREAM TIRUPPUR TAMIZHANS WIN BY 47 RUNS AND QUALIFY FOR THE PLAYOFFS!

OUT! CAUGHT! That reprieve does not last long. Flighted outside off, slower through the air, V Athisayaraj Davidson looks to go for the slog sweep but is beaten for pace this time. The ball comes way after the bat has completed the swing and takes the top edge. It goes high in the air and the substitute fielder, Mathivannan M, takes a good catch, running back from cover. IDREAM TIRUPPUR TAMIZHANS WIN BY 47 RUNS AND QUALIFY FOR THE PLAYOFFS!

OUT! LBW! Is that the final nail? Davidson has been given out but he has taken the review. Looks stone dead. The arm ball from Ajith, around off, coming in quickly with the angle, V Athisayaraj Davidson went for the pull but missed it, due to the pace. The ball skid through, went past his bat and hit his back leg.

DAVIDSON OVERTURNS AN LBW DECISION. The arm ball from Ajith, around off, coming in quickly with the angle, V Athisayaraj Davidson went for the pull but missed it, due to the pace. The ball skid through, went past his bat and hit his back leg. Ram appealed and the umpire raised his finger after a brief thought. The review was taken by Davidson and UltraEdge showed nothing as the ball went past the bat. But Ball Tracker showed it to be bouncing over the stumps!

SIX! HUMONGOUS! Not going down with a fight. Flighted, outside off, V Athisayaraj Davidson gets down on a knee and mows the slog sweep and gets it way over mid-wicket.

Around off, pushed back to the bowler.

V Athisayaraj Davidson is the only one left.