High-flying Dindigul Dragons take on Albert Tuti Patriots in Tirunelveli

Albert Tuti Patriots have a lot on their hands in the India Cements TN Premier League as they face Dindigul Dragons at the India Cements Limited Ground at Sankarnagar, Tirunelveli, on Sunday.

Also, it will be Patriots’ second game in as many days as they also have to face Karaikudi Kaalai on Saturday in a day-game at Tirunelveli. It may be noted that Dragons are flying high with three comprehensive wins on the trot.

Their opening batsman, N Jagadeesan, who is also the highest run scorer in the tournament has been in sublime form and has won three man of the match awards. His acceleration and pacing of the innings has helped Dragons post formidable totals. Even their middle-order has chipped in but then it has not been tested as of yet.

Their bowling has been exceptional and MS Sanjay and M Ashwin have done well in the absence of marquee bowler R Ashwin. T Natarajan, who had a good outing in the previous match against VB Thiruvallur Veerans, is also an important value addition.

On to the Patriots and they lost the plot against the Lyca Kovai Kings after a win against Chepauk Super Gillies in the first game.

But it is heartening to see that Abhinav Mukund, who is expected the join the squad soon, will join Washington Sundar at the top of the batting. Also, Patriots will be dependent on the two southpaws to give them a blazing start in the first few overs. The middle-order has to step up in Dinesh Karthik’s absence and give adequate support to the bowlers.

Patriots’ bowling revolves around Aushik Srinivas, Aswin Crist and Akash Sumra with the experienced Lakshmipathy Balaji expected to lead the pack. All their bowlers have done well so far and have been economical with wickets coming in at crucial moments.

 

Key battles: It is definitely a clash between Dindiguls’ batting and Patriots’ bowling. Jagadeesan is the player to watch out for thanks to his purple patch. It may be noted that Patriots’ bowling is exception on wickets which assist spin and pace.