TNPL 2018: Madurai Panthers Qualify for Playoffs after Thrashing Karaikudi Kalaai

Siechem Madurai Panthers became the first team to claim a spot in playoffs of the ongoing third edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2018). They registered five wins in a row all thanks to Arun Karthik.

Karaikudi Kalaai while batting first scored a total of 159 on board. Their openers put 35 on the board. V. Aditya was first to return to the pavilion. He scored 25 off 16 deliveries, and Kiran Akash provided this particular breakthrough.

Maan Bafna added a partnership of 47 for the second wicket along with captain Anirudha Srikkanth. Bafna scored a run a ball 17. J Kousik provided this breakthrough.

From then on, Kalaai lost like a pack of cards. Five of their batsmen could not enter into the double-digit mark.

The skipper of Kalaai, Anirudha Srikkanth was the top scorer for his team with a handy knock of 48. Apart from Rajhamany Srinivasan who scored 23 off 20 none of the batsmen really could contribute. R Rajkumar played a short cameo of 20 off just nine deliveries.

While chasing a formidable total of 159, Madurai Panthers lost their opening wicket for mere seven runs. D Rohit registered a golden duck as he handed over a simple catch to R. Kavin.

Nilesh Subramanian joined the crease to help Arun Karthik. However, Nilesh could add just two runs. Apart from Arun, the top four batsmen of Panthers lost their wicket before entering a double-digit.

However, it was Shijit Chandran, who along with Arun Karthik added a partnership of 63 for the fifth wicket. Shijit scored 38 off 25. Arun Karthik scored an unbeaten knock of 85 while facing 50 deliveries. In response, Madurai defeated Karaikudi Kalaai by four wickets with ten balls to spare.

TNPL 2018 – Madurai Panthers Vs Karaikudi Kalaai – Who said what:

“It’s a new team, very positive after two failed seasons. It rained a bit, and it was stopping. The bowlers did their part, and the batters too did it after the two lost wickets in the powerplay. We experimented, sent in Nilesh to see off the powerplay. We are going to need away wins, and every game will be crucial for now. We’ll have a fresh start after this.” – D Rohit, the winning skipper maintained.

“Probably was a 170 track, my wicket cost a few runs. The dew factor played a role when we were bowling. It was a little dry and loose, but toss is not in your hands, but it was a factor. I think I should have carried on. Any batsman coming in was struggling. We couldn’t see their bowling through.” – Anirudha Srikkanth, the losing skipper said.