TNPL | Patriots thump Warriors and live to fight another day!

It was all too easy for the Patriots as they cantered home and chased down the 146-run target with 21 balls to spare. In what was a must-win game, Patriots got off to a good start as U Sushil (36) - promoted up the order- and Kaushik Gandhi (80) smashed Warriors’ bowlers all around the park and never let the required run-rate dip.

Sushil, who was dropped on 17 by Nilesh Subramanian, put on a 76-run partnership with Gandhi in ten overs. By the time he was dismissed by AC Pratibhan, Patriots were almost at victory’s doorstep. Gandhi, on the other hand, accelerated once he reached his half-century, and took the required run-rate to less than run-a-ball. He also became the second Patriots batsman to score a half-century in the tournament - the being Dinesh Karthik. Gandhi cleared the boundaries with ease and seemed in a hurry to finish off proceedings. He finished off the game with a huge six and ensured that Patriots went into the next game with renewed confidence.

The fall of Indrajith’s wicket saw Warriors accelerate as the in-form player played the sheet-anchors role to perfection. He saw off the slower bowlers, particularly Crist, but soon gave a simple catch to Kaushik Gandhi at long-on. A late blitz by J Kousik (43) saw him smash a huge six and boundary off L Balaji (0 for 37) which changed the complexion of the game. That gave Warriors the much-needed momentum as they finished on 145 for 8 in the end.