Match 1, Coimbatore, June 05, 2025, 07:15 PM
Lyca Kovai Kings
149/8(20.0ov)
Dindigul Dragons
154/3(17.2ov)
Dindigul Dragons beat Lyca Kovai Kings by 7 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Shivam Singh
Commentry
Right then, that is it from the curtain-raiser of TNPL 2025, where the defending champions, Dindigul Dragons, start their campaign with a victory, brushing aside Lyca Kovai Kings with ease. The second game of the season will be played between Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans and Chepauk Super Gillies on 6th June, Friday. It will begin at 7.15 pm IST (1.45 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
Shivam Singh is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant knock of 82 off 50.
Presentation Time...
It’s a tough start to the season for Lyca Kovai Kings, as they were thoroughly outclassed by the Dragons. The batting unit failed to fire, and with not enough runs on the board, the bowlers were always going to be under pressure. Ramalingam Rohit provided an early breakthrough, and skipper Shahrukh Khan chipped in with a couple of wickets in the middle overs, but it just wasn’t enough. That said, it’s only the first game of the campaign, and there’s no reason to hit the panic button yet. They’ll be eager to regroup, find the right balance, and bounce back stronger.
Earlier in the game, Lyca Kovai Kings battled their way to a competitive total, thanks to a determined half-century from Balasubramaniam Sachin and a brisk cameo by skipper Shahrukh Khan in the middle overs. However, they faltered at the death and couldn't finish strong. The Dindigul Dragons' bowlers delivered a well-rounded effort - Ravichandran Ashwin, Sandeep Warrier, and Ganeshan Periyaswamy all picked up two wickets apiece, while two sharp run outs further dented LKK’s progress and helped keep them in check.
Chasing a modest target, DD's openers came out with clear intent, with Ravichandran Ashwin setting the tone early on by playing a few powerful strokes before departing. His quickfire start gave the innings the early momentum it needed. Shivam Singh then took charge, playing the anchor's role to perfection and forging a crucial 64-run partnership with Vimal Khumar that all but sealed the game. Singh brought up a well-compiled half-century and remained unbeaten on 82 off just 50 balls, while a couple of handy cameos around him ensured the chase was completed comfortably.
Dindigul Dragons begin their title defense in style with a commanding win! They outplayed Lyca Kovai Kings in every department and delivered a near-flawless performance from start to finish. Skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, the brains behind it all, led from the front and once again had the upper hand over Lyca - just as they did in last season’s final.
In over# 18
6
6
Govinth G 27/0(1.2)
17.2
6
SIX! GAME, SET, MATCH! Shivam Singh finishes it off in style! Fuller and around middle, Shivam Singh remains deep in his crease, makes a base for himself, clears out his front leg away and launches it down the ground over the long on fence for another biggie to seal the deal. Dindigul Dragons win the season opener by 7 wickets!
17.1
6
SIX! DD are one hit away now! On a dragged length and on the pads, Shivam Singh swipes it across the line, and the ball goes towards deep backward square leg. The fielder leaps there to catch it but ends up parrying it over the ropes for a biggie.
In over# 17
1
0
0
0
6
4
M Siddharth 32/0(4)
16.6
1
Flighted it full and around middle, Shivam Singh knocks it down to long on for one more. DD need just 8 now.
16.5
.
A bit short and around off, Shivam Singh cuts it but straight to backward point.
16.4
.
There is a massive appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head! Lyca Kovai Kings take a review here! Quicker, flatter, on a nagging length, around off, Shivam Singh again changes his stance and looks to switch-hit but misses this time and gets hit on his chest. The UltraEdge shows that there is no bat involved but the Ball Tracking shows that it would have gone over the stumps. LKK lose a review!
16.3
.
Misses out! Touch short and outside off, Shivam Singh looks to punch it to the off side but misses.
16.2
6
SIX! Shivam Singh is in a hurry to finish it off here! Siddharth drags his length and bowls it around middle, Shivam goes back, clears out his front leg away, and pump it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
16.1
4
FOUR! INNOVATIVE! Tossed it up, around middle, Shivam Singh changes his stance and switch-hits it to deep backward point for a boundary.
In over# 16
0
1
1
2
0
1
Jhathavedh Subramanyan 25/0(4)
15.6
.
Much fuller, around off, Baba Indrajith drives it but straight to covers. DD need 19 off the last four!