TNPL 2022 | Sanjay Yadav's all-round brilliance helps NRK deny CSG in a Super Over cliffhanger

The opening game of the 2022 edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) got off to a perfect start on Thursday evening as Chepuak Super Gillies' (CSG) Haris Kumar matched Nellai Royal Kings' (NRK) Sanjay Yadav's all-round brilliance with his final over exploits to force a Super Over.

With 15 needed off the last deliveries in a 185 run-chase, Kumar smashed V Davidson (1/44 in 4 overs) for a couple of fours and a six to ensure that his side ended on even footing after the end of 40 overs.

As per rules, CSG batted first in the Super Over and managed just nine runs off Davidson at the cost of Harish's wicket. They even managed to get to nine thanks, mainly to the last ball-six by Jagadeesan.

Nellai, despite the loss of Baba Indrajit off Sandeep Warrier, proceeded to chase down the target on the penultimate delivery thanks to a single from Ajithesh.

Kaushik Gandhi's half-century and Harish Kumar's final-over onslaught led to CSG's run-chase

Chasing 185, CSG rode on intent-laden knocks from openers Kaushik Gandhi (64 off 43 deliveries) and N Jagadeesan, who smashed 4 fours in his 15-ball 25.

However, the run-out of Jagadeesan triggered a collapse that saw them lose their next two wickets in quick succession thanks to Sanjay (2/27 in 4 overs) and NS Harsh, who knocked over Sasidev for a 16-ball 15.

Sonu Yadav kept his side afloat with a brisk 23-ball 34 but Yadav once again struck timely to peg CSG back. It eventually boiled down to 15 off 6, and Harish ensured he knocked off 14 of them.

Sanjay Yadav's whirlwind knock guides Nellai Super Kings to 184

Earlier, Nellai Royal Kings rode on a sensational 47-ball 87 from Sanjay Yadav and a 50-ball 62 from opener Laxmesha Suryaprakash to post 184/4 in their quota of 20 overs.

Having been put in to bat, the Royal Kings got off to a disastrous start as they lost three of their top-4 batters, including Baba Aparajith and Baba Indrajith, inside the power play.

Each of the three wickets was shared by Sandeep Warrier, Sonu Kumar and M Siddarth, which left CSG reeling at 27/3 in the 6th.

However, the left-handed Yadav launched a stunning counterattack on the Super Giles bowling attack, and Suryaprakash added 123 rapid runs in just over 12 overs.

Yadav's knock was studded with 5 fours and 6 massive sixes. Suryaprakash's innings, on the other hand, was laced with 8 fours.

Harish Kumar eventually broke the partnership when he removed Suryaprakash, but CSG got the perfect finish thanks to G Satish, who smashed two fours and a six during his 8-ball 16* to help his side finish at 184/4.

Brief Scores:

Nellai Royal Kings 184/4 (20)

Sanjay Yadav 87* (47), L Suryaprakash 62 (50)

M Siddarth 1/30 (4)

Chepauk Super Gillies 184/7 (20)

Kaushik Gandhi 64 (43), Sonu Yadav 34 (23)

Harish Kumar 26* (12)

Super Over: 

NRK 10/1 (0.5)

Sanjay Yadav 7* (3), Ajhitesh 1* (1)

Sandeep Warrier 10/1 (0.5)

CSG 9/1 (1)

N Jagadeesan 7* (2), A Davidson 0/9 (1)

Match Result: Match Tied (Nellai Royal Kings won the Super Over)