Published: Sep 14, 2016, 11:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 14, 2016, 11:09 PM (IST)
Karaikudi Kaalai beat Ruby Kanchi Warriors by 3 wickets in Match No. 28 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2016 at Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli. Warriors captain Baba Indrajith won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to post a competitive score. All the same, things did not go the way they planned. The opening duo of K Bharath Shankar and R Nilesh Subramanian could add only 22 runs for the first wicket. Meanwhile, the curators dished out a slow track. Given it’s a T20 game, the batsmen struggled to find their feet and go all guns blazing. Also read: TUTI Patriots thrash Madurai Super Giants by 33 runs
Be that as it may, Kaalai bowlers were extremely disciplined, maintaining their line and length in the mandatory powerplay. The onus was then on Indrajith to play a captain’s knock. However, he was knocked over by Suresh Babu by a peach of a delivery. Then came the comedy of errors. As many as four batsmen were run-out. There was very little left for the Kaalai bowlers to do, as the Warriors dug their own grave. In 20 overs, they could post only 120. J Koushik top-scored with 25 off 21. Nonetheless, S Mohan Prasath conceded only 16 runs in his 4-over quota, taking a wicket.
The task of chasing 121 looked easy. All Kaalai had to do was score run a ball, keeping the wickets intact. However, they lost half their side, with only 13 runs on the scoreboard. From captain Badrinath to C Ganapathy, none of batters could not handle the might of the Warriors bowling. From 17.3 overs, they needed 107 runs. It was then imperative that R Srinivasan and M Shajahan stand rock solid in the face of adversity and take their team over the line. Also read: LKK keep playoffs hopes alive thrashing DD by 16 runs
They, as a matter of fact, stitched a vital 69-run partnership for the sixth wicket and brought their team closer to the target. However, Shajahan was castled by Trilog Nag with a peach of a delivery. Meanwhile, Srinivasan stayed unbeaten on 61 off 43, guiding his team to a 3-wicket win.
He was awarded Man of the Match for this remarkable show. He said, “It was a very good experience, but unfortunately we didn’t qualify. Our batsmen tried to go for their shots at the top, but unfortunately it didn’t work. On pitches like these, you have to play on the back foot and wait for the ball. I’m not totally happy overall, but okay. Very disappointed with the last match.” Also read: Shikhar Dhawan: Competition for opening slot good for Team India
Captain of the losing side Indrajith added, ” When you lose 5 wickets in the powerplay, it is always going to be difficult. Also we dropped catches which didn’t help our cause. I tried my best; it’s a brilliant experience playing under the lights and the coverage has been great. We have to work on all 3 areas and also the mental aspect of the game. We are hoping for a better season next year.”
Badrinath seemed disappointed as his team failed to qualify for the semi-final of this extravaganza.”It would have been much easier if we had wickets in hand. We tried our best, but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s been a tremendous experience; it’s hard luck we didn’t qualify, but at the end of the day we played good cricket. Overall, it’s a pretty good effort from the boys and I’m really pleased. The important thing is go back from here as good cricketers, better cricketers. Hopefully, we will come back strong next season.” Also read – Duleep Trophy Final, Match Report: Ravindra Jadeja’s 5-for seals India Blue’s victory by 355 runs
After a gruelling group stage, we have finally reached the semi-finals.
In semi-final 1, Dindigul Dragons will lock horns with Albert TUTI Patriots; and in semi-final 2, Chepauk Super Gillies will square off with Lyca Kovai Kings.
Brief scores
Ruby Kanchi Warriors 120 for 8 (J Kousik 25, Akkil Srinaath 17; K Kaushik 3 for 29) lost to Karaikudi Kaalai 122 for 7 (R Srinivasan 61, M Shjahan 32; S Mohan Prasath 1 for 16) by 3 wickets
