TNPL 2018: Vivek's heroics lead Dindigul Dragons to nine-wicket win

Dindigul Dragons started well with Nishanth's breezy cameo but it was Ashwin's decision to promote Vivek that proved critical. 169 was definitely not a threatening total but the Dragons made a mockery with their exceptional batting skills.

Vivek, the finisher went ballistic from ball one, putting immense pressure on the bowlers as he blazed away to a whirlwind fifty. Jagadeesan smashed the bowling around as well albeit a bit more measured than his partner. 

The duo's heroics made short work of the chase with almost 5 overs left. Panthers' bowling were toothless and their fielding added to the woes. They will rue wasting a great platform because they could have got more than 180 with the start they got. 

The Panthers' top three clicked with Karthik's fifty setting the tone for the innings. There were primed for a score in excess of 180 at one stage but the Dragons' bowlers pulled things back during the middle overs. The catching and fielding were poor again tonight which is a concern for Ashwin. 

Expensive last over from Ashwin despite the three wickets pushed the Panthers close to the 170-run mark. 

Nevertheless they did well to keep the score down in the end. Ashwin himself had a good outing, often confusing the batsmen with his variations.

Not sure if it would have mattered though considering how the Dragons batted. Ashwin's men have a huge net run rate boost as well and this will be crucial as the tournament goes along.

Brief scores: Dindigul Dragons 170/1 (R Vivek 70*, N Jagadeesan 68; Akash 1/35) in 15.2 overs beat Madurai Panthers (169/6) by 9 wickets