The start of the business end of TNPL-10 turned out to be a damp squib as rain played spoilsport in the Qualifier-1 clash between Madurai Panthers and Trichy Grand Cholas, with the game being abandoned after two interruptions here at the MAC Stadium on Sunday.
Though both sides finished with 10 points at the end of the league stage, Panthers finished on top of the table by virtue of a better Net Run Rate (0.548) than Grand Cholas’ +0.095. This proved crucial as it meant the 2018 champion has now booked its place in the summit clash to be held on Friday.
Seen in this context, Panthers’ thumping 72-run win over Nellai Royal Kings in its final league match on Saturday proved decisive for the B. Anirudh Sita Ram-led outfit to leapfrog Grand Cholas in the standings.
ALSO READ |TNPL 2026 Playoffs: All you need to know — fixtures, timings, venue
Earlier in the evening, Panthers won the toss and opted to field first, and only 2.5 overs of play took place when rain stopped proceedings with Grand Cholas at 25 for one.
Play resumed two hours later, and after just two more overs, the heavens opened again to bring the curtains down for the day.
Published on Aug 23, 2026
