In what is a classic contrast of fortunes, Albert Tuti Patriots, who are aiming for a spot in the semi-final of the India Cements TN Premier League, will face Madurai Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.
Giants are still winless and have only pride to play for. A heated contest may be on cards, as Giants, who will aim to bow out with a bang, will try and pour water on Patriots’ hopes of qualifying for the last-four.
Patriots, on the other hand, need a comprehensive win to have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. Patriots had achieved a thumping nine-wicket win over Ruby Kanchi Warriors in their last outing, while the Giants were outclassed by Chepauk Super Gillies.
The Patriots have been inconsistent, but the fact that they have coped well without talisman Dinesh Karthik is a huge positive. Kaushik Gandhi has been in great form at the top of the order, scoring 212 runs in his six outings.
One disappointment is that Washington Sundar has failed to capitalise on his initial starts. Patriots will also hope that others like Maaruthi Raghav, U Sushil, Nathan SP and Akash Sumra do contribute with the bat.
The bowling has been led by the experienced trio of L Balaji, Aswin Crist and Akash Sumra, with the trio having picked up 23 wickets amongst themselves. Washington Sundar and Akash Sumra have also chipped in with crucial wickets gives them hope.
In contrast, the Giants have had a forgettable tournament and have not registered a single win so far. Arun Karthick and skipper Shijit Chandran have been excellent with the bat, but then the over-reliance on the duo has cost them dearly.
Muruganatham and Raja M have been the stand-out bowlers for Giants with eight and seven wickets respectively. Youngster Mann K Bafna has also been impressive with his spin while all-rounder Thiyagarajan has had a decent tournament.
Key Battles: The wily leg-spin of Muruganatham will test in-form opener Kaushik Gandhi to no end.
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