Madurai Panthers signs off TNPL 2024 with a win

DINDIGUL: Siechem Madurai Panthers defeated Chepauk Super Gillies by nine runs in its final league game of TNPL 2024 to sign off the season on a high.

Madurai Panthers showcased a stronger batting performance than in previous matches. The openers contributed 77 runs, with Suresh Lokeshwar leading the charge with 55 off 40 balls. Captain Hari Nishaanth supported him well, scoring 37 from 28 balls. The middle order then capitalized on the solid start, with Jagatheesan Kousik remaining unbeaten on 43 off 24 balls, while Saravanan and Chaturved chipped in with 25 from 13 balls and 26 not out from 14 balls, respectively.

For Chepauk, Baba Aparajith was the standout bowler, taking 1/23 from his four overs. Abhishek Tanwar, Aswin Crist, and Silambarasan each contributed with one wicket.

While chasing 193 for victory, Chepauk lost Narayan Jagadeesan and Aparajith after small but impactful innings. Santhosh Kumar steadied the chase with a crucial 48 off 36 balls, forming a pivotal 78-run partnership for the third wicket with Pradosh Ranjan Paul, who contributed 52 off 37 balls.

However, after the partnership was broken, Madurai made a comeback with quick wickets, largely thanks to Karthick Manikandan’s spell of 3/23.

Ajay Krishna capitalized on the momentum to dismiss Abhishek Tanwar, increasing the pressure on the former champion.

Chepauk Super Gillies required 16 runs off the final over with three wickets in hand.

However, Gurjapneet Singh remained composed and guided Madurai to a nine-run victory in their final league match.

With this defeat, Chepauk Super Gillies has missed out on a top-two finish and will now play the Eliminator in the playoffs. Madurai Panthers finishes the season in the seventh spot.

Brief scores: Madurai Panthers 191/4 in 20 overs (S Lokeshwar 55, J Kousik 43*) bt Chepauk Super Gillies 182/8 in 20 overs (PR Paul 52, D Santhosh Kumar 48, K Manikandan 3/23)