The TNPL-8 witnessed exciting matches on Saturday as IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans secured their first win of the tournament and Lyca Kovai Kings extended their winning streak.
In the first match, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans overcame a shaky start to chase down a target of 157 runs set by Siechem Madurai Panthers. Anirudh Sitaram, who came in as the Impact Player, played a crucial role, scoring a fine half-century (52 runs off 28 balls). He was well supported by Amit Sathvik (23 runs off 25 balls), who helped build a vital partnership of 51 runs for the third wicket. Later, S. Mohammed Ali’s unbeaten 34 runs off 27 balls steered the Tamizhans home, securing a four-wicket victory.
Earlier, Madurai Panthers had set a fighting total of 156 for nine, thanks to a quickfire 41 runs off 19 balls from U. Sasidev, who displayed aggressive batting, especially against the spinners.
The second match saw Lyca Kovai Kings dominate Nellai Royal Kings, registering a commanding nine-wicket victory. B. Sachin and J. Suresh Kumar, both local lads, combined to deliver an unbeaten 144-run partnership for the second wicket, ensuring a comfortable chase of 168 runs. Sachin, who was batting strongly, retired hurt after scoring 76 runs off 48 balls, while Suresh Kumar remained unbeaten on 63 runs off 55 balls.
The Royal Kings had earlier posted 167 for seven, with contributions from K.B. Arun Karthick (47 runs off 38 balls) and R. Sonu Yadav’s unbeaten 43 runs off 26 balls. However, a middle-order collapse saw them end up with a below-par score.
