Aparajith's half-century in vain as Dindigul Dragons win by one run

The Dindigul Dragons defeated Chepauk Super Gillies by one run in the first match of the doubleheader on Wednesday at NPK College Ground, Dindigul.

Dindigul Dragons wore a special jersey today, dedicating it to water bodies and the prevention of climate change. The team revealed in a statement that the blue jersey was to raise awareness about waste disposal and management. 

Chepauk Super Gillies opted to field first and notably used eight bowlers against the strong batting line-up of Dindigul Dragons.

The 'home' side began the innings well, with Rahul and Shivam Singh taking on the bowlers. Harish Kumar S, who began the bowling for the defending champions, started with a no-ball. His over went for 17 runs. Shivam Singh added a six and a four in the next over to take the team to 28-0.

Rahul was the first wicket to fall; he got out for a 9-ball 20 to Rahil S Shah. Baba Indrajith did not trouble the scoreboard much today.

After five overs, the team raced to 46/2. However, they lost Shivam Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Boopathi Kumar within the next three overs and found themselves at 66/5 at the end of the 10th over.

Adithya Ganesh and Sarath Kumar steadied the innings for the Dindigul Dragons. Adithya Ganesh notched up 44 (30) before falling to Harish Kumar S.

Subodh Bhati, who walked in next, decided to take on the bowlers right from ball one. He smashed four and six in his first two deliveries. He ended with three sixes and two fours for his 13-ball 30. Subodh Bhati was bowled in the final ball of the innings.

The 18th over of the match witnessed Rahil S. Shah dismissing both C. Sarath Kumar and M. Mathivanan in the same over. He ended with 3/38 today.

Dindigul Dragons ended their 20 overs with 170/9.

Chasing 171 to win, Chepauk Super Gillies lost S. Santhosh Shiv in the first ball of the 2nd over. He was bowled by S. Arun. Pradosh Ranjan Paul, the impact player for Chepauk Super Gillies, had an off day as he made just six runs.

Baba Aparajith took responsibility and dominated the bowlers, while Jagadeesan Narayan played an anchor role for him. The skipper made 37 off 36 before being trapped by Varun Chakaravarthy. Chakaravarthy dismissed Sanjay Yadav for just three runs to push Chepauk Super Gillies to 102/4.

The experience of Baba Aparajith came in handy for the Chepauk Super Gillies. The all-rounder not only rotated the strike well but also found sixes when needed. He got to his half-century in 30 deliveries.

At one point, Chepauk Super Gillies needed 51 deliveries out of 25. Baba Aparajith smashed a couple of sixes off Chakaravarthy's over to get the run rate down, but the spinner bounced back to dismiss Baba Aparajith for 74 (40). 

His knock got the team closer to victory. Also, with the wicket of Aparajith, Chakaravarthy became the leading wicket-taker of the season and snatched the Ather Purple Cap from Rahil Shah as well.

Chepauk Super Gillies needed 12 runs in the final over. Saravana Kumar bowled the final over of the innings. Rohit welcomed him with a lofted cover drive that went for a boundary. P. Saravana Kumar bounced back in the over and dismissed R. Rohit in the next delivery.

TD Lokesh Raj, who came in next, smashed his first delivery for a boundary and took a single in the following delivery. When the team needed three runs to win from two deliveries, Sasidev attempted a big shot but failed to connect it. 

The batters tried to sneak a single, but TD Lokesh Raj fell short of his mark. Rahil walked in when the team needed three runs from one delivery. He tried to hit hard towards the cover but failed. The batters tried to score a couple but got out during the second run. The Dindigul Dragons won the game by one run to stay unbeaten in the tournament.

Dindigul Dragons stay at the top of the table with three wins on the trot. Chepauk Super Gillies find themselves in the third spot with two wins and as many losses.

Subodh Bhati, who won the Player of the Match award, said, I made use of the opportunity. Be it batting or bowling, I will give my 100 percent for the team.

After the loss, Chepauk Super Gillies captain Jagadeesan Narayan said, Win or loss is usual in cricket. It is all about how we face those challenges and bounce back after a loss. Baba Aparajith has won matches many times for us; even today, he almost won one.

Dindigul Dragons captain Ravichandran Ashwin said, "My team needs a special award for playing this way and winning this time. It is not easy to score at this venue. Also, the only thing I tell our youngsters is to enjoy every game. Since I knew where Saravana Kumar would bowl the final delivery, I was able to place the fielder in the right position. 

(Image and Match report courtesy: TNPL)