Rahil Shah leads CSG to big win 

Coimbatore, July 19: Veteran left-arm spinner Rahil Shah delivered a standout performance to lead the Chepauk Super Gillies to a 23-run victory over the Salem Spartans in the TNPL 2024 at Sri Ramakrishna College ground on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 157, the Spartans’ top order struggled against Rahil and M. Silambarasan, who combined effectively to restrict the runs on a pitch that offered significant turn for the spinners. Rahil finished with impressive figures of 4-0-13-3, while Silambarasan took 1 wicket for just 10 runs in his four-over spell.

The Spartans’ innings got off to a slow start, with openers R. Kavin and S. Abishiek managing only 22 runs in the PowerPlay. By the halfway mark, the team was at 42 for 2, and although Muhammed Adnan Khan aggressive 31 brought some hope, the Spartans never fully recovered. Adnan, who hit three sixes and a four off B. Surya, added 51 runs with Robin Bist (36) for the fourth wicket. However, Rahil’s final over dismissal of Adnan sealed the game for the Super Gillies.

Earlier, the Super Gillies set a total of 156 for 7 after electing to bat first on a challenging pitch. B. Aparajith led the innings with a steady 41 off 41 balls, including two sixes. Abhishek Tanwar played a crucial role in the final overs, scoring an unbeaten 26 off just 8 balls, with four sixes in the last over, which proved vital for their total.

Aparajith’s innings included two early sixes, but he slowed down during the middle overs. Daryl S. Ferrario added 23 runs off 13 balls, providing some momentum with a six off Harish Kumar. Tanwar’s explosive finishing ensured the Super Gillies posted a competitive total, ultimately proving sufficient for their victory.