C. Hari Nishaanth (81, 56b, 4x4, 5x6) and N. Jagadeesan (47b, 7x4, 3x6) showed no mercy as Dindigul Dragons thrashed iDream Karaikudi Kaalai by 10 wickets in the Sankar Cement TNPL at the ICL grounds here on Monday.
On their way to victory, the Coimbatore duo smashed the all-time highest partnership for any wicket in the league. The previous best was 145 between B. Aparajith and N.S. Chaturved for the second wicket for V.B. Thiruvallur Veerans against Ruby Trichy Warriors at the same venue in 2016. It was also their second successive century stand.
Chasing a target of 159, Dragons were home and dry with three overs to spare, thanks to Hari Nishaanth and Jagadeesan. The Coimbatore duo’s 161-run stand is now the highest for any wicket in the league, eclipsing the 145-run association between B. Aparajith and N.S. Chaturved for the second wicket for VB Thiruvallur Veerans against Ruby Trichy Warriors at the same venue in 2016.
For Hari Nishaanth and Jagadeesan, it was their second successive century partnership. But, this around, they were pleased to have remained unbeaten.
Boundaries galore
Earlier, S. Aniruda smashed his best score, a scorching 98 (59b, 7x4,7x6), to steer Kaalai to a respectable158 for seven. But, both Nishaanth and Jagadeesan overshadowed his efforts with a solid knock that had the crowd entertained.
Kaalai tried everything it could but failed miserably in its attempt. It was Nishaanth who breathed fire at the start smacking boundaries and sixes with ease. Jagadeesan joined him midway through and, it was all over from there.
Third straight loss
For the Kaalai, it is its third straight defeat. The return of India star Dinesh Karthik, who played his first match of the season, was expected not only to lift the spirit of the boys but also bolster the chances of the team. It did to some extent with L. Suryapprakash and Aniruda chipping a decent-looking partnership, worth 43 runs, for the first wicket.
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