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Ram Kumar, with a 19-ball-36, got them off the blocks quickly. Siddharth Mahadevan held his own at the other end, with a measured yet sprightly 60 (42). Atheeq Ur Rahman struggled initially, but then recovered to put on display some handsome shots on his way to a 27-ball-39, while cameos from PK Saravanan (6-ball-19) and S Rajalingam (10-ball-13*) propelled the team to 195/8. 

For the large part, it felt like a race between a brand new raging speedster and an old, rusty, broken-down vehicle. Madurai Panthers showed intent from the outset, while Salem Spartans stuttered throughout their path. 

S Abishiek (Salem Spartans Captain): "[On what Salem need to do to turn things around?] We started well with openers doing well but the middle-order could not capitalise on the start. Somehow, the batting has let us down, we will work on it.

[On the batting order changes] It is based on the situation. We can't have a set batting line-up in T20 cricket. The batters need to be ready at this level. It all comes to the balance of the team.

[On the bowlers fighting back after powerplay] Yeah, the powerplay didn't go our way but we did pull things back in the middle overs which is good to see."

Rohan Bhutra: "(On making his debut) It feels really great to be the Player of the Match in debut game. Thanks to managment. I was nervous. But when ball came in hand, I forgot everything and focused on my bowling.  

(On what he has learnt from being net bowler for multiple IPL franchises?) Varun Chakaravarthy told me how to bowl top spin and overspin, so batters can't sweep usually. From Rashid Khan, I learnt how to vary pace. Coming into this match, my plan was simple: to hit the right areas and change my pace so the batters get deceived."

B Anirudh Sita Ram (Madurai Panthers Captain): [Captaincy seems easy with 3 wins from 3] I mean, we have started the tournament really well. Happy with the cricket we played today.

[On Rohan Bhutra] We could see the wicket was slowing, and Rohan is someone who's not easy to pick. We needed to not rush him into the game. He has a unique action, this is first year playing in such a league.

[On having experience in the squad] It makes my life easy. We are all on the same page and you can see the results reflecting on our side."

The two teams now find themselves on the opposite ends of the points table. Madurai Panthers sit pretty at the top with 3 wins out of 3 matches and a handsome net run rate to go with it. They are the only undefeated side in the tournament now. Meanwhile, SKM Salem Spartans are languishing at the bottom spot, yet to find their first win. 

However, there are still plenty of games remaining for things to change drastically. Tomorrow, a double header is lined up. Nellai Royal Kings will lock horns with Trichy Grand Cholas in the afternoon, followed by the clash between iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans and VIDA Kovai Kings in the evening. 

Do join us for those games. For now, this is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Ajay Pal Singh and Manish Bishnoi signing off. Sayonara!