Tamil Nadu’s chase of 128 against Railways should have been straightforward but for their batsmen’s hara-kiri on a turning track with variable bounce.

One could hear shouts of “Nambunga da, nambunga da (trust yourself) from their desperate head coach Yo Mahesh. It was about asking the batsmen to trust their defence and complete what turned out to be a tricky chase after they were reduced to 91 for 5.

Eventually, No.5 batsman Andre Siddarth, with an unbeaten 56, ensured the team crossed the finish line for a second consecutive home win this season.

The day started with TN bundling out Railways for 108, with the visitors who were nine wickets down, adding just one run to their overnight total. TN chose to shuffle their batting order with Vimal Khumar, after successive ducks, pushed down the order and Athish SR opening in his place alongside N Jagadeesan.

With the pitch taking plenty of turn, TN needed a good start and a couple of steady partnerships. The 31-run opening stand was crucial.…