TNPL 2016 | Karthik powers Albert TUTI Patriots to 45-run win in opener

Brief scores: Albert TUTI Patriots: 164/5 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 24, 23b, 5x4, Dinesh Karthik 67*, 49b, 3x4, 4x6, U Sushil, 25, 19b, 1x4, 1x6; R Sathish 2/16) beat Chepauk Super Gillies: 119 in 19.4 overs (Thalaivan Sargunam 29, 21b, 3x4, 1x6; L Balaji 2/26, R Aushik Srinivas 3/23, Akash Surma 3/14) by 45 runs

Earlier, Patriots had won the toss and had batted first. Though they got off to a steady start thanks to the opening duo of Kaushik Gandhi(24) and Washington Sundar(20), Chepauk skipper R. Satish accounted for both. Bowling his spell up-front, Satish finished with figures of 2 for 16.

Patriots skipper Karthik held the innings together and helped his side reach a competitive 164. His unbeaten 67 off 49 deliveries consisted of four sixes and three boundaries. Karthik entertained the crowd with his big-hitting ability and showcased his class and exquisite touch. He was well supported by U Sushil (25) who did well to rotate the strike. Yo Mahesh (1 for 43) and Antony Dhas(1 for 19) were one of the few positives for Chepauk.

Also, Tamil Kumaran (0 for 46) was ineffective and looked wasteful throughout. On to the Chepauk run-chase and they never really got going thanks to the fall of wickets at regular intervals. Thalaivan Sargunam(29) was the sole positive for Chepauk as he gave them a glimmer of hope with some clean hitting. But then, he was dismissed thanks to a brilliant diving catch from Sundar. 

After R. Satish went for a golden duck none of the other batsmen managed to settle in. The Patriots bowled well with all the five bowlers picking up wickets. L Balaji brought his experience to the forefront and picked up two wickets and was unfortunate to miss out on a hat-trick.

Akash Sumra shone with the ball as he choked the batsman with a spell of 3 for 14.  The fans applauded both the sides alike and were happy to enjoy the game. Aushik Srinivasalso had a brilliant spell of 3 for 23. The fans cheered vociferously for both sides and were excited to witness sixes, boundaries, and wickets alike.

*Report courtesy TNPL Media