Tushar’s maiden TNPL century powers Tiruppur past Chepauk; Nellai beats Dindigul

iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans opener Tushar Raheja locked horns with Chepauk Super Gillies’ top-order batter K. Aashiq and let his willow say, “If you can do it, I can do it too.”

In the Tamil Nadu Premier League encounter at the NPR College Ground here on Friday, Aashiq (98, 56b, 6×4, 7×6) put on a show at his ‘home venue’ in front of his proud parents, piloting Super Gillies to 205 for eight. But he ended up on the losing side as Tushar (102, 52b, 5×4, 8×6) outshone him with his maiden TNPL century, helping Tamizhans secure a seven-wicket victory with two overs to spare.

The 25-year-old, alongside Pradosh Ranjan Paul (73 n.o., 41b, 9×4, 2×6), decimated the CSG bowling attack during their dominant 149-run third-wicket stand.

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Once Tushar got into the zone after smacking ‘mystery spinner’ Ashwanth Valthapa for two sixes and a four in the third over, the fans in the makeshift galleries had to stay on high alert. The southpaw completed his milestone with a boundary over fine leg off pacer Abhishek Tanwar.

Earlier, in a rarest of rare play, a bowler dismissed a rival with an almost identical name – Tamizhans left-arm spinner Mohan Prasath sent Super Gillies’ Mohana Prasath back to the hut.

In the second match of the evening, it was Nellai Royal Kings’ day out. It defeated Dindigul Dragons by six wickets, with multiple players, including skipper Sonu Yadav (three for 24 and 19 n.o.), stepping up to bag the team’s second win on the bounce.

On Saturday, Madurai Panthers will face Vida Kovai Kings at 3.30 PM, followed by SKM Salem Spartans against Trichy Grand Cholas at 7.30 PM.

Published on Aug 07, 2026