That’s all from Saturday’s double-header, folks! The fourth spot on the points table is still up for grabs, with three teams in the race. We’ll find out which team secures it during Sunday’s double-header. For now, it's me, Deepak Prakash, signing off on behalf of co-commentators Saptak Sanyal, Aditya Agarwal, and scorer/analyst Paras Yadav. Good Night!😴
Player of the Match: B sachin
12:40 AM IST, Local Time: Lyca Kovai Kings end their TNPL 2025 campaign with a thumping 68-run win over Salem Spartans. The Salem Spartans had a golden opportunity to win this match and qualify for the playoffs, but they faltered badly. Now, their fate depends on the results of the matches between iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Nellai Royal Kings and Dindigul Dragons vs Trichy Grand Cholas.
Earlier, after being invited to bat first, Lyca Kovai Kings lost both their openers - Andre Siddarth C (0) and Suresh Lokeshwar (3) cheaply in the powerplay. However, Balasubramaniam Sachin produced a scintillating knock of 116 runs off 70 balls to put the Kovai Kings in a commanding position, while a quickfire 45 off just 14 deliveries from Shahrukh Khan at the tail end of the innings propelled them to 203/6 in their 20 overs. Sunny Sandhu and M Poiyamozhi bagged a couple of wickets each for Salem Spartans, while Dev Rahul and M Mohammed celebrated a solitary wicket. In reply, Salem Spartans lost Hari Nishaanth, the impact player, for a mere 5 runs. Eshwar M looked in sublime touch but could only contribute with a 16-ball 29 runs as Spartans lost a couple of wickets inside the powerplay. Nidhish Rajagopal (22) and S Abishiek (32) steadied the innings for a while, adding over 50 runs for the third wicket. However, Vidyuth wreaked havoc with the ball, completing his five-wicket haul in the process. The Salem Spartans then collapsed like nine pins, getting bundled out for 135 runs in 19.1 overs. R Divakar chipped in with three wickets, while N Kabilan contributed one wicket to Spartans’ downfall.
W WICKET! Salem Spartans are bundled out for 135 runs! Over the wicket. Low full toss on the pads. Poiyamozhi gets low and flicks it off the cue end of the bat, with the ball flying towards deep square leg where Siddarth takes it safely. Lyca Kovai Kings win by a massive 68 runs to end their TNPL 2025 campaign.