TNPL 2023 Eliminator: NRK vs SMP: Match Preview, Pitch Report, Predicted XIs, Fantasy Tips, & Prediction

NRK finished the league stage at the third spot | Source: Twitter 

Nellai Royal Kings will lock horns with Siechem Madurai Panthers in the Eliminator 1 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2023 on Saturday, July 8 at SCF Cricket Ground, Salem. 

Nellai Royal Kings had a solid run in the league stage, winning five out of their seven matches and only suffering two losses. They secured the third position on the points table with a total of 10 points. Their recent victory over Ba11sy Trichy by eight wickets must have boosted their confidence for the upcoming game.  

Siechem Madurai Panthers, on the other hand, had a decent league stage, winning four out of their seven matches. They finished the league stage in fourth place on the points table. Their last league stage encounter resulted in a thrilling four-run win, and they will be keen on carrying forward their winning momentum in this all-important match.  

The stakes couldn't be higher, as defeat would result in immediate elimination from the tournament for either team. However, the winning side will get a shot at redemption by going up against the loser of qualifier 1 in a qualifier 2 match, aiming to secure a spot in the finals. 

Match Details

Date and Time: 8 July, 7:00 PM IST

Venue: SCF Cricket Ground, Salem

Live Streaming and Broadcast: FanCode & Star Sports Network  

Pitch Report 

The Salem pitch offers a balanced playing surface, providing equal opportunities for both batting and bowling units. So far this season, eight matches have been played here, with an equal number of wins for teams batting first and second. The average first innings score at this ground is 143 runs. The team winning the toss should look to bowl first. 

Predicted Playing XIs 

Nellai Royal Kings: Arun Karthik (c), Lakshay Jain S, Rithik Easwaran (wk), Ajitesh Guruswamy, Laxmesha Suryaprakash, Sonu Yadav, NS Harish, M Poiyamozhi, S Mohan Prasath, Sandeep Warrier, T Veeramani 

Siechem Madurai Panthers: Hari Nishanth (c), V Aaditya, Jagatheesan Kousik, S Sri Abisek, Anton A Subikshan, Swapnil Singh, Suresh Lokeshwar (wk), Murugan Ashwin, P Saravanan, Gurjapneet Singh, Ajay Krishna

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keepers: Arun Karthik, Ajitesh Guruswamy 

Batters: Laxmesha Suryaprakash, Hari Nishanth, Nidhish S Rajagopal

All-Rounders: Sonu Yadav, Swapnil Singh, Jagatheesan Kousik

Bowlers: M Poiyamozhi, Gurjapneet Singh, Murugan Ashwin 

Captain: Sonu Yadav

Vice-Captain: Hari Nishanth

Prediction 

Nellai Royal Kings are the favourites for a victory in this game.  

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