SALEM: Pacer J Prem Kumar took three wickets to help four-time champion Chepauk Super Gillies restrict SKM Salem Spartans to 160/7 after being put in to bat in the 9th Tamil Nadu Premier League at the Salem Cricket Foundation ground here on Thursday.

Prem Kumar dismissed Nidhish Rajagopal (7), R Vivek Raj (3) and skipper S Abishiek (47, 38b, 3x4, 1x6) for his tournament-best figures to derail Salem Spartans which collapsed to 104/6 following a 63-run opening wicket start by openers left-handed C Hari Nishaanth (31, 28b, 2x4, 1x6) and skipper Abishiek.

Left-arm spinner M Silambarasan dismissed Nishaanth caught by B Aparajith, for the first of his two catches, at long-on to break the first wicket stand and trigger a collapse, while R Kavin (1) fell to a spectacular direct hit from Mokit Hariharan from the covers.

However, M Mohammed (28 not out, 11b, 3x4, 2x6) and Sunny Sandhu (30, 18b, 1x4, 2x6) joined forces for a remarkable 49-run seventh-wicket stand off just 19 balls that featured some lusty hits to lift the side.

Brief scores: SKM Salem Spartans 160/7 in 20 overs ( C Hari Nishaanth 31, S Abishiek 47, Sunny Sandhu 30, M Mohammed 28 not out, J Prem Kumar 3/19) vs Chepauk Super Gillies