TNPL: Sachin to the fore as Kovai Kings win

Vida Kovai Kings ruled the roost in its first step towards recapturing the Tamil Nadu Premier League crown while the SKM Salem side fought like anything but the Spartans in the 34-run loss at the NPR College Ground here on Thursday.

Asked to take first strike, the two-time champion powered to a competitive 194 for eight, riding on No. 3 B. Sachin’s masterful blast of 77 (42b, 7×4, 4×6). Pacer Deeban Lingesh (three for 14) put paid to Salem’s hopes with a three-wicket opening burst, which included a two-wicket first-over maiden.

The Spartans eventually folded for 160, with the 60-run sixth-wicket alliance between Nidhish Rajagopal (69, 52b, 6×4, 2×6) and Harish Kumar (25) reducing the margin of defeat.

Deeban rocked the top-order as the first three batters – R. Kavin, skipper S. Abishiek and C. Hari Nishaanth (dismissed in that order) – were guilty of being tentative with their shot-making. Kavin was in no position and edged one to slip, Abishiek picked out the backward-point fielder with precision and Hari Nishaanth looked lost. Once Salem was reeling at eight for four in the fourth over, there was no way back.

Earlier, Sachin sent another reminder of his growing potential in white-ball cricket. The southpaw, who had smashed a century in his previous outing against Spartans, once again disrupted the bowlers’ plans with an array of delightful strokes. His 85-run second-wicket partnership with Abhinav Kannan put Kovai on course for what was a winning score.

The scores: Vida Kovai Kings 194/8 in 20 overs (Abhinav Kannan 32, B. Sachin 77, M. Udaya Kumar 3/37, S. Ajith Ram 2/36, M. Poiyamozhi 3/35) bt SKM Salem Spartans 160 in 19.4 overs (Nidhish Rajagopal 69, M. Mohammed 30, Deeban Lingesh 3/14, M. Siddharth 2/18, G. Kishoor (Impact Player) 3/18)

Friday’s matches: Chepauk Super Gillies vs. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 3.30 p.m.; Nellai Royal Kings vs. Dindigul Dragons, 7.30 p.m.