(Source X)
A comical episode unfolded during the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024 match between the Chepauk Super Gillies and the Siechem Madurai Panthers. During the game, a local resident playfully refused to return a ball that had been hit out of the park by a batter.
On Sunday, July 28, at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul, the Siechem Madurai Panthers clinched a narrow 9-run victory over the Chepauk Super Gillies. Despite their win, the Panthers were unfortunately knocked out of the tournament.
The Panthers, batting first, set a challenging target by scoring 191-4 in their allotted 20 overs. Suresh Lokeshwar contributed 55 runs off 40 balls, while Jagatheesan Kousik remained unbeaten with 43 off 24 deliveries. Baba Aparajith emerged as the top bowler for the Super Gillies, claiming one wicket for 23 runs in his four overs.
A local man refused to return the ball after a batter hit it outside the stadium.
Star Sports Tamil highlighted a funny moment from the game on social media X (formerly Twitter). During the match, a left-handed batter from the Chepauk Super Gillies belted a short ball from a right-arm pacer for a six, sending the ball out of the stadium. A local man was quick to grab the ball as it landed outside.
However, instead of returning it, the man decided to walk away with the ball. When asked to return it, he cheerfully declared that the ball was not coming back. The amusing incident was caught on camera and swiftly went viral across various social media platforms.
The Super Gillies mounted a fierce chase in the match. Pradosh Ranjan Paul made a solid contribution with 52 runs from 37 balls, featuring one boundary and four sixes, while D Santhosh Kumar added 48 runs off 36 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the Siechem Madurai Panthers managed to edge out a close win, thanks to Karthick Manikandan’s impressive performance, who took three wickets for just 23 runs.
TNPL 2024 is gearing up for the business end of the tournament.
The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) stands out as one of India’s leading state-based T20 tournaments. This season features seasoned Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and IPL 2024 champion Varun Chakravarthy, alongside emerging talents like Sai Sudarshan and Sai Kishore.
The teams that have made it to the playoffs are the Lyca Kovai Kings, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Chepauk Super Gillies, and Dindigul Dragons. On July 30, the Lyca Kovai Kings will face off against the IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans in Qualifier 1. The following day, July 31, the Chepauk Super Gillies will compete against the Dindigul Dragons in the Eliminator match.
The loser of Qualifier 1 will go up against the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2, which is scheduled to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on August 2. The tournament will culminate with the final match at the same venue on Sunday, August 4.
