TNPL 2024: Ravichandran Ashwin smashes 30-ball 69* to book final berth for Dindigul Dragons

Skipper of Dindigul Dragons, Ravichandran Ashwin, led his team to an emphatic victory in Qualifier 2 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024. Ashwin's decision to promote himself as an opener paid off handsomely as he smashed an unbeaten 69 off just 30 balls, securing a final berth for his team.

The match, played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, August 2, saw the 2018 edition finalists face off against IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Dragons restricted their opponents to a modest 108 all out in 19.4 overs. P Vignesh was the wrecker in chief with the bowl, claiming exceptional figures of 3/8, while Suboth Bhati and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with two wickets each.

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Chasing a target of 109, Ashwin decided to open the innings alongside Vimal Khumar, the duo put on a commanding 81-run partnership in just 8.2 overs. The veteran all-rounder's innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, consisting of 11 fours and three sixes.

His first maximum came in the fifth over off R Sai Kishore, followed by two consecutive boundaries. The innings reached its peak in the 11th over when the 37-year-old sealed the victory with back-to-back sixes off P Bhuvaneswaran, the first over deep midwicket and the winning shot over long-on.

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This performance was not a one-off for Ashwin in the tournament. The veteran has been in brilliant form throughout TNPL 2024, with scores of 45* off 20 against Chepauk Super Gillies and 57 off 35 in the Eliminator against the same team. 

Ashwin's all-round skills were on full display as he also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket in his four overs. His leadership and performances have been instrumental in guiding the Dragons to the final, where they will face Lyca Kovai Kings on Sunday, August 4, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.