Salem, July 12: In a thrilling finale at Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, the first leg of the eighth Tamil Nadu Premier League concluded with Nellai Royal Kings edging out SKM Salem Spartans by three wickets. Pursuing a modest 142-run target, the Royal Kings encountered early setbacks but were steered to victory by L. Suryapprakash’s composed unbeaten 43 off 35 balls, securing the win with seven balls to spare.
Opting to bat first, Salem Spartans struggled against Sonu Yadav’s exceptional bowling performance, as he scalped five wickets for 30 runs. Despite a valiant effort from lower-order batsmen, Spartans were dismissed for 141 in 19.2 overs. In response, G. Ajitesh’s aggressive 45 and Suryapprakash’s pivotal innings ensured Royal Kings reached 144/7 in 18.5 overs, clinching a crucial victory in the TNPL encounter.
