Kovai ride Shahrukh show to make TNPL-6 final

CHENNAI: Lyca Kovai Kings’ skipper M Shahrukh Khan (58 n.o., 4x4, 5x6) brought to the fore his stupendous finishing skills as his 24-ball knock helped the side beat Nellai Royal Kings by two wickets to make the TNPL-6 final in Coimbatore on Friday. Shahrukh’s innings helped Kovai chase Nellai’s target of 209. Batting first, Nellai scored 208-6 riding top contributions from Sanjay Yadav (55) and B Aparajith (44). Kovai will take on Chepauk Super Gillies in the final on Sunday.


The run-fest boiled down to 16 needed to win for Kovai in the last over which was bowled by medium-pacer Sri Neranjan (1-27). Shahrukh scored 15 from the first four balls which included --- two fours and a six. However, Sri Neranjan dismissed R Manish (2) to reduce the equation to 1 needed off the final ball. Ajith Ram did the honours to help Kovai cross the finish line.

Arriving at the crease with his team on 73 for 3 in the 10th over, Shahrukh kicked off with a quickfire 63 runs partnership in 27 balls with Sai Sudharsan (53, 5x4, 2x6). That stand helped Kovai to claw their way back into the clash. Once Sudharsan departed, Shahrukh Khan continued to march on. He was severe on any loose delivery and played a big part in Kovai making the summit clash. His innings contained 4 fours and 5 sixes.

Put in to bat by Kovai, Nellai showed intent from the start with opener Sri Neranjan (34 runs off 21 balls) scoring at a rapid pace. Nellai batsmen understood the importance of the game and paced their innings with a steady flow of runs in the first ten overs. The dynamic duo of experienced Aparajith and Sanjay Yadav put up an 88-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. Just when Aparajith was looking good for a big one, he fell to Abhishek Tanwar in the 17th over. Three balls later, Sanjay Yadav (55 runs off 26 balls) too departed.

Banking on the previous partnership, Ajitesh G put on a cameo in the final three overs with a breezy 38 off 13 balls as Nellai crossed the 200-run mark. Abhishek Tanwar proved his worth along with Manish GR, both chipping in with two wickets each. Sanjay Yadav felt his understanding with Aparajith was instrumental in the team notching up a strong score.

Brief scores: Nellai Royal Kings 208/6 in 20 overs (Sanjay Yadav 55, B Aparajith B 44, G Ajitesh 38; Abhishek Tanwar 2/34 Manish 2/43). Lyca Kovai Kings 209-8 in 20 overs (M Shahrukh Khan 58 n.o., Sai Sudharsan 53, M Karthick 3-46). Kovai won by 2 wickets


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