Nidhish en route his sparkling fifty.
| Photo Credit: M. PERIASAMY
Nidhish S. Rajagopal’s sparkling half-century (60, 41b, 7×4, 2×6) and R. Kavin’s steady hand guided SKM Salem Spartans to a six-wicket win over Siechem Madurai Panthers in the afternoon game of the TNPL-9 at the Sri Ramakrishna College ground here on Sunday.
In pursuit of 165, Spartans lost their openers cheaply, but Nidhish ensured his side got 48 in the PowerPlay. The left-hander, who has a strong off-side game, smashed K. Gowtham Thamarai Kannan for three boundaries in the third over to get going.
Nidhish showed great composure in finding the boundaries, including two maximums, at a time when his partner, Kavin (48 n.o., 39b, 1×4, 4×6), couldn’t get going.
Once Nidhish got out, Kavin took charge and hit three huge sixes, including two consecutive ones off M. Ashwin in the 17th over to hasten the end.
In the first innings, a late flourish from Atheeq Ur Rahman (38, 21b, 1×4, 3×6) helped Panthers get to 164 for six. Left-arm spinner S. Ajith Ram and Rahil Shah bowled a tight spell in the middle phase of the innings as R. Ram Arvindh and skipper N.S. Chaturved struggled to find the boundaries despite adding 50 for the second wicket.
The left-handed Atheeq broke the shackles by flicking and lofting medium-pacer S. Harish Kumar for a four and a six respectively. He then collected two more sixes before he was dismissed.
Medium-pacers M. Mohammed and M. Poiyamozhi utilised their slower deliveries effectively, as Panthers failed to score a boundary in the last two overs. The runs left on the table cost the former champion dearly.
The scores: Siechem Madurai Panthers 164/6 in 20 overs (R. Ram Arvindh 37, N.S. Chaturved 32, Atheeq Ur Rahman 38, Mohammed 2/27) lost to SKM Salem Spartans 167/4 in 18.4 overs (Nidhish S. Rajagopal 60, R. Kavin 48 n.o., Gurjapneet Singh 2/28, M. Ashwin 2/35). Toss: Spartans.
Monday’s match: Chepauk Super Gillies vs Nellai Royal Kings (7.15 p.m.).
Published – June 08, 2025 09:19 pm IST