[Watch] Opener Ravichandran Ashwin Channels Inner Rohit Sharma; Smashes 45* off 20 in TNPL 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin scored 45* off 20 balls in TNPL 2024 (Twitter)
In a rain-dampened contest that could have washed out the spirits of many, Ravichandran Ashwin’s batting fireworks brightly lit up the stage in Match 13 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2024) on Sunday.
Dindigul Dragons faced off against the Chepauk Super Gillies in a heavily curtailed seven-over game at SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore, turning what promised to be a cricketing feast into a rapid-fire shootout.
Ashwin unleashed batting storm by scoring 45* off 20 balls as an opener in TNPL 2024
Chepauk Super Gillies captain, Baba Aparajith won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that seemed to pay dividends immediately.
The Dragons stumbled out of the gate, losing Shivam Singh and Boopathi Kumar for ducks in the opening over. But Ravichandran Ashwin, the Dragons’ skipper, who decided to open the batting in this game put on a display of batting that was nothing short of brilliant.
With his team’s back against the wall, Ashwin smoked an array of strokes that lit up the ground. Scoring an unbeaten 45 off just 20 balls, his innings was filled with three boundaries and four sixes, single-handedly carrying his team's score to 64/6.
Vimal Khumar, the next highest scorer, could only manage 12, highlighting the solo nature of Ashwin's effort. As many as five batters were dismissed for single digits.
Unfortunately for the Dragons, Ashwin's heroics were in vain. Chepauk Super Gillies, led by the cool heads of N Jagadeesan and Baba Aparajith, made short work of the modest target.
Jagadeesan's quickfire 32* off 14 balls (one four, three sixes) and Aparajith's equally explosive 31* off 14 balls (three sixes) ensured that Chepauk crossed the line with a whopping 13 balls to spare, sealing a nine-wicket victory.
The match may not have lasted long, but Ashwin's explosive innings ensured that the fans got their money's worth.