TNPL 2023: Nellai Royal Kings pip Madurai Panthers in Eliminator

TNPL 2023: Nellai Royal Kings pip Madurai Panthers in Eliminator. Nellai Royal Kings prevailed over Siechem Madurai Panthers by four runs in a thrilling Eliminator match of the TNPL at the Salem Cricket Foundation. Royal Kings will now meet Dindigul Dragons in the second Qualifier at Tirunelveli.

Nellai Royal Kings prevailed over Siechem Madurai Panthers by four runs in a thrilling Eliminator match of the TNPL at the Salem Cricket Foundation on Saturday.

Chasing 212 for victory, Panthers needed six off the last delivery, but left-arm spinner Mohan Prasath held his nerve against P. Saravanan, conceding just a single after being hit for a maximum off the penultimate ball.

Royal Kings will now meet Dindigul Dragons in the second Qualifier at Tirunelveli on Monday.

The chase was set-up by V. Aaditya’s well-paced innings (73, 50b, 6x4, 2x6) and opener S. Lokeshwar’s quick 40 (26b, 3x4, 3x6).

The duo added 63 for the second wicket before Lokeshwar was run out while going for a quick double without realising Aadtiya wasn’t ready for it.

Then Aaditya and Swapnil Singh (48, 30b, 1x4, 4x6) put on 98 for the third wicket off just 60 balls, keeping the former champion on course.

However, pacers R. Sonu Yadav and M. Poiyamozhi got Royal Kings back into the game with tight overs towards the end. Poiyamozhi used his cutters well and had Aaditya caught at mid-wicket.