MATCH REPORT
Follow UsThe first doubleheader of the Shriram Capital Tamil Nadu Premier League 2023 was played today at the SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore. Nellai Kovai Kings defeated Seichem Madurai Panthers by six wickets to kick off their season with a bang.
Seichem Madurai Panthers opted to bat first after winning the toss. The team's wicketkeeper, Karthik S, opened the batting with skipper, Hari Nishaanth C.
Sandeep Warrier and Sonu Yadav opened the bowling for Nellai Royal Kings. The duo kept things tight in the powerplay, adding pressure on the openers. As a result, Karthik S got out in the 2nd over for 1 (3), following which Deeban Lingesh K fell for 6 (11), to Lakshay Jain.
One of the most experienced players in the team, Washington Sundar, walked in at #4 to join his captain in the middle. However, Nellai Kovai Kings managed to keep things tight for the Madurai batters. As pressure began to build, Washington Sundar tried all possible ways to score. He got out for 19 trying to reverse sweep Mohan Prasath S.
Hari Nishaanth S remained the lone warrior for Seichem Madurai Panthers. He got to his 13th half-century and ended with 64 (51), a knock that included 4 fours and 3 sixes. Notably, this year, all half-centuries so far have been scored by left-handed batters.
After his dismissal, Seichem Madurai Panthers couldn't gather much runs and ended their innings at 126/8.
Mohan Prasath S was the pick of all bowlers for the Nellai Royal Kings. The spinner grabbed three wickets, and was able supported by Sonu Yadav (2/26), Poiyamozhi M (2/17), and Lakshay Jain S (1/17).
With 127 to win, Nellai Kovai Kings were never in danger. At the top, Kings' captain KB Arun Karthick got the team off to a flying start with a 12-ball-32. The skipper's knock saw four fours and two sixes. He added a 30-run partnership for the first wicket alongside Sri Neranjan R. While KB Arun Karthick was taking on the bowlers, Sri Neranjan R, the impact player for Nellai Royal Kings, played the perfect second fiddle to him and anchored the innings. He was run out by Koushik J after scoring 14-ball-15.
After both openers fell, Nidhish S Rajagopal and Arun Kumar S J joined hands to add a 28-run partnership. Arun Kumar S J got out for 11 runs to Surya B. The all-rounder Sonu Yadav began his innings with a six but got out soon for 13 (10).
Nidhish S Rajagopal showcased his experience and kept the scoreboard ticking from one end. He was brutal against spinners, especially Murugan Ashwin. Nidhish S Rajagopal smashed 20 (8) against the leg-spinner. He stayed till the end to take the team over the line.
G Ajitesh scored the winning runs for the Nellai Royal Kings. He took on Gurjapneet Singh and completed the chase in style - with a boundary. Nidhish S Rajagopal was the top scorer for the team with a 26-ball-42.
Nellai Royal Kings reached the target of 129 in 13.4 overs and defeated Seichem Madurai Panthers by six wickets.
(Image and Match Report courtesy: TNPL)
