Tuti looks to extend winning run against Madurai

Panthers recorded its first-ever win in the competition when it beat defending champion Chepauk Super Gillies in Tirunelveli. Patriots, on the other hand, overcame Kovai Kings by 11 runs in Natham (Dindigul). Patriots was impressive in the win over Kovai Kings, displaying its superiority in all three departments.

 While Kaushik Gandhi scored a scratchy 43, the other opener S Dinesh struck an impressive 59 to keep the side on track. Akshay Srinivasan and the lower middle-order lifted the side to a commanding 182/7. The bowling performance of Patriots was led by Athisayaraj Davidson and Akash Sumra, who picked up three wickets each. Patriots has won both its matches in the third edition and will look to extend its winning run. 

The 26-run victory over Gillies will provide a lot of confidence to Panthers. Late assaults by Shijit Chandran and J Koushik helped Panthers post a challenging 153. The spin duo of Rahil Shah and Varun Chakravathi ran through Gillies’ batting. The pitch at the NPR College ground has been batsman-friendly and the Panthers will bank heavily on its most experienced batsman KB Arun Karthik to deliver. 

Athisayaraj Davidson who returned with figures of 3-35 against Kovai Kings said his boasts of a strong bowling line-up. 

“We are a strong bowling outfit. We have two quality left-arm spinners and Akash Sumra also bowled really well. I bowled several yorkers and we had the match under control. As bowlers, we have to think about each and every ball we bowl at this ground. A poor delivery can cost a lot,” said Athisayaraj about the challenge of bowling in Dindigul.