TNPL 2023: Nellai Royal Kings smash 33 runs in penultimate over to storm through final of tournament

The Qualifier 2 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) was played on July 10, Monday, between Dindigul Dragons and Nellai Royal Kings in Tirunelveli. Vimal Khumar's Dragons set a daunting target of 186 after batting first. Shivam Singh was the star of the show as he scored a 46-ball 76.

In reply, Nellai Royal Kings were given a flying start by their captain Arun Karthik, who scored a brisk 15-ball 26. P Sugendhiran and Nidhish Rajagopal, however, got stuck in the middle during their innings, scoring a 24-ball 22 and a 27-ball 26, respectively. The former was dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthy while the latter retired out to bring in Rithik Easwaran. When Ajitesh Guruswamy and Easwaran joined forces, the Royal Kings still needed 56 runs in 21 balls. With the game slipping from their grasp, the two batters had no other option but to go full throttle at every delivery.

They scored 19 runs in the next nine balls to bring the equation down to 37 runs required off 12 balls. Khumar decided to back the inexperienced pacer, G Kishoor, to bowl the penultimate over. Easwaran took the attack to the 23-year-old, smashing the first three balls of the over for three sixes. The fourth ball went for a single and Guruswamy deposited the fifth ball for the fourth six of the over. Under immense pressure, Kishoor bowled a high full-toss that was deemed a no-ball. A single was taken as Easwaran took the striker's end. The last ball went for another six as 33 runs came off the over.

With just four runs needed off the last over, Suboth Bhati managed to take the game to the last ball with one run in the bank. However, his low full-toss was dealt with by Easwaran, who hit a six to remain unbeaten on 39 off just 11 balls. Guruswamy stayed not out on 73 in 44 balls and was awarded Player of the Match for his sensational knock.

Nellai Royal Kings to take on Lyca Kovai Kings in the final

The summit clash of the 2023 TNPL will be played between Nellai Royal Kings and Lyca Kovai Kings on July 12, Wednesday in Tirunelveli. Shahrukh Khan-led Lyca Kovai Kings managed to reach the finals after beating Dindigul Dragons by 30 runs in the Qualifier 1 in Salem last week.