TNPL 2026: Sachin’s 77, Lingesh’s three-wicket burst powers Kovai Kings past Salem Spartans

Vida Kovai Kings ruled the roost in its first step towards recapturing the Tamil Nadu Premier League crown while the SKM Salem side fought like anything but the Spartans in the 34-run loss at the NPR College Ground here on Thursday.

Asked to take first strike, the two-time champion powered to a competitive 194 for eight, riding on No. 3 B. Sachin’s masterful blast of 77 (42 balls; 7×4, 4×6). Pacer Deeban Lingesh (three for 14) put paid to Salem’s hopes with a three-wicket opening burst, which included a two-wicket first-over maiden.

The Spartans eventually folded for 160, with the 60-run sixth-wicket alliance between Nidhish Rajagopal (69 off 52 balls, 6×4, 2×6) and Harish Kumar (25) reducing the margin of defeat.

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Deeban rocked the top-order as the first three batters – R. Kavin, skipper S. Abishiek and C. Hari Nishaanth (dismissed in that order) – were guilty of being tentative with their shot-making. Kavin was in no position and edged one to slip, Abishiek picked out the backward-point fielder with precision and Hari Nishaanth looked lost for ideas. Once Salem was reeling at eight for four in the fourth over, there was no way back.

Earlier, Sachin sent another reminder of his growing potential in white-ball cricket. The southpaw, who had smashed a century in his previous outing against Spartans, once again disrupted the bowlers’ plans with an array of delightful strokes. His 85-run second-wicket partnership with Abhinav Kannan put Kovai on course for what was a winning score.

Friday’s matches will see Chepauk Super Gillies take on iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans at 3.30 PM, followed by Nellai Royal Kings against Dindigul Dragons at 7.30 PM.

Published on Aug 06, 2026