K. Rajkumar provided a flying start for Grand Cholas.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu
The TNPL’s PIN code shifting to the State capital from Dindigul brought out the best in the Trichy Grand Cholas batters. Grand Cholas, after getting shot out for 85 and suffering an abysmal 116-run loss to Vida Kovai Kings at Dindigul, racked up 197 for four against Dindigul Dragons at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Wednesday.
The 199-run chase (DLS target) proved too steep for Dragons as their effort ended at 170 for eight in 19 overs. The Tiruchi outfit’s 28-run win was built on the solid 118-run stand between openers K. Rajkumar (71, 42b, 9×4, 3×6) and J. Suresh Kumar (60, 41b, 7×4, 3×6).
After Grand Cholas were asked to bat, K. Rajkumar was hitting boundaries for fun until the heavens opened up 15 minutes into the game. The 45-minute delay meant the game was reduced to 19 overs per side.
Suresh, who was trudging along, pressed on the accelerator before being caught in the deep off P. Bhuvaneswaran. Viju Arul sending back K. Rajkumar and R. Rajkumar briefly halted the run-scoring spree, but Jafar Jamal (21, 9b, 3×6) took the team close to the 200-run mark.
Later, Shivam Singh (47, 28b, 8×4) and B. Indrajith (32, 22b, 4×4, 1×6) kept the game interesting with a 43-ball 73-run stand for the second wicket. However, once Antony Dhas (three for 25) made amends for dropping Shivam by removing Indrajith and the opener, the DD innings went off the rails. K. Easwaran (four for 25) wrapped up a much-needed victory.
The scores:
Trichy Grand Cholas 197/4 in 19 overs (K. Rajkumar 71, J. Suresh Kumar 60, Sanjay Yadav 33 n.o., Viju Arul 2/30) bt Dindigul Dragons 170/8 in 19 overs (Shivam Singh 47, B. Indrajith 32, R.K. Jayant (Impact Player) 34 n.o., K. Easwaran 4/25, Antony Dhas 3/25); DLS target 199 in 19 overs.
Thursday’s matches: Madurai Panthers vs. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans (3.30 p.m.); Nellai Royal Kings vs. SKM Salem Spartans (7.30 p.m.).
Published – August 20, 2026 01:00 am IST
