Anirudh shines as Madurai triumph

Chennai: Siechem Madurai Panthers rode left-hander B Anirudh’s unbeaten 41-ball 58 to register a four-wicket win over defending champions Chepauk Super Gillies in their TNPL-6 clash in Tirunelveli on Saturday. Chasing Chepauk’s target of 136, Anirudh led the show with a knock that contained 7 fours and a six and helped Madurai cross the finish line with 11 balls to spare.
Madurai, in pursuit of a below-par target, saw Arun Karthick (31) teaming up with Anirudh to raise 50 runs for the second wicket to set the foundation for the chase. However, Chepauk hit back by dismissing Karthick, NS Chaturved (0) and J Kousik (0) in quick succession to leave Madurai on 82 for 4 in the 11th over. However, Anirudh kept his calm at the other end. He teamed up with K Rajkumar (19) and debutant Sunny Sandhu (14* off 11 balls) to help Madurai open their campaign with a win.
Earlier, left-hander U Sasidev (58) and S Harish Kumar (39 n.o.) were instrumental in the side finishing with a fighting total after they were reeling at 51 for 7 in the 9th over. The pair added 82 off 70 balls for the 8th wicket to help the side hit back.
Nellai Royal Kings make it two-in-a-row:
Nellai Royal Kings registered a comfortable five-wicket win over Salem Spartans. This was their second successive win in the ongoing TNPL-6. Taking first strike, Salem posted 149-7 thanks to Daryl Ferrario’s unbeaten 60. In reply, Nellai chased down the total with 14 balls to spare, G Ajitesh scoring 48 no.
SUMMARISED SCORES
Chepauk Super Gillies 135/8 in 20 overs (U Sasidev 58; Kiran Akash 3-34, C Varun 2-28). Siechem Madurai Panthers 136/6 in 18.1 overs (B Anirudh 58 n.o.). Madurai won by 4 wickets
Salem Spartans 149-7 in 20 overs (D Ferrario 60 n.o., R Kavin 48; Davidson 2-28). Nellai Royal Kings 152-5 in 17.4 overs (L Suryapprakash 35, G Ajitesh 48 n.o.). Nellai won by 5 wickets