124/9 (20.0)
CR : 6.20
169/8 (20.0)
CR : 8.45
Salem Spartans won by 45 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
VS Karthick Manikandan
57(40)
The chase did start on a fine note for the Spartans. Their openers Amit Sathvik and Tushar Raheja added 31 in 3 overs before Sathvik was dismissed for 16 off 10. The middle order was a no show with every batter struggling against the turning ball in the middle overs. K Wafar (3 off 11), Pradosh Paul (2 off 5), Mohamed Ali (10 off 8), U Sasidev (2 off 3) and M Mathivanan (1 off 6) added a lot more pressure on Tushar Raheja who was fighting a lone battle. He would hit maximums from one end, and wickets would fall at the other.
The Salem Spartans won the toss and elected to bat first. They started off in style and raced to 47/0 in 4 overs before the left spinners applied breaks and pulled them down to 74/5 in 10 overs. Karthick Manikandan's 57 along with cameos from Eshwar M (26) and M Mohammed (16) at the backend propelled the side to a decent 169/8 in 20 overs. The pick of the bowlers for the Tamizhans was M Mathivanan with figures of 3-18.
6:54 PM IST, Local Time: Salem Spartans win by 45 runs! Karthick Manikandan at the halfway mark said that he was not happy with his side's innings total. Well, the bowlers took on the challenge and produced a fine performance to not only defend 169 but also notch up the team's first win of the season. It has taken a while but has finally arrived.
Tushar Raheja (iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans Captain): "[Where did they lose the game?] I think our batting completely collapsed. We couldn't build partnerships in the middle.
[On the first-innings score] At the beginning of the innings, we were happy to chase 170. The wicket was really good. We bowled fairly well I think. But our batting didn't click.
[On hoping for the next match's result to go their way] I'm not sure about the scenario. But I'll pray for the best and that's what we can do right now. Unfortunately we have done it to ourselves and that's disappointing after playing well throughout the tournament. That's the game.
[Positives from this season?] Batting, we chased 200 a couple of times. We won four games chasing. Our top order has done well. Me, Amith and Pradosh, we all have done well. Unfortunately, our middle order has some work to do which we will work on."
[On the first-innings score] At the beginning of the innings, we were happy to chase 170. The wicket was really good. We bowled fairly well I think. But our batting didn't click.
[On hoping for the next match's result to go their way] I'm not sure about the scenario. But I'll pray for the best and that's what we can do right now. Unfortunately we have done it to ourselves and that's disappointing after playing well throughout the tournament. That's the game.
[Positives from this season?] Batting, we chased 200 a couple of times. We won four games chasing. Our top order has done well. Me, Amith and Pradosh, we all have done well. Unfortunately, our middle order has some work to do which we will work on."
Player of the Match: VS Karthick Manikandan
VS Karthick Manikandan (Player of the Match): "[His mindset while batting] I just tried to take the game as deep as possible because I know I can rotate strike and if I be there till the late end of the innings, it will be useful for the team. I can play big shots. That was the plan.
[On batting at different positions] Never say no to an opportunity. I'm just being adaptable. Wherever I get a chance, I try to do my thing.
[On him not bowling. Was it a tactical call?] It's just a tactical call.
[On getting a win after six losses in a row] It was definitely a tough pill to swallow. Six losses in a row. It's not easy for any team. We were just playing for pride."
[On batting at different positions] Never say no to an opportunity. I'm just being adaptable. Wherever I get a chance, I try to do my thing.
[On him not bowling. Was it a tactical call?] It's just a tactical call.
[On getting a win after six losses in a row] It was definitely a tough pill to swallow. Six losses in a row. It's not easy for any team. We were just playing for pride."
S Abishiek (Salem Spartans Captain): "[Feeling after the win] I am not happy or sad. I am just taking it as it is.
[On the pressure after the losses] We deserve all the hate coming from everywhere. Trust us though, we will come back stronger next year.
[Learnings from the season] In the batting department we failed to build partnerships. That is what is the main learning from the season."
[On the pressure after the losses] We deserve all the hate coming from everywhere. Trust us though, we will come back stronger next year.
[Learnings from the season] In the batting department we failed to build partnerships. That is what is the main learning from the season."
The Salem Spartans make sure that they don't exit the tournament without a win. It took them 7 league games to notch it up, however, when it has finally arrived, it looks pretty.
The Tiruppur Tamizhans do not have their fate in their own hands anymore. They will have to hope that Madurai Panthers lose to the Nellai Royal Kings by a decent margin later this evening. Only then can they sneak into the top 4.
The Tiruppur Tamizhans do not have their fate in their own hands anymore. They will have to hope that Madurai Panthers lose to the Nellai Royal Kings by a decent margin later this evening. Only then can they sneak into the top 4.
We have a game to go today. As mentioned, Nellai Royal Kings take on the Madurai Panthers at 7:30 PM IST, Local Time. Do switch tabs and join that coverage.
On this note, I, Manan Mehta would like to take your leave on behalf of my colleagues Akshay Bhide and Yogesh Kumar. Stay Happy. Stay Healthy. Stay Safe. Adios!!!