Kovai Kings faces high-flying Madurai Panthers in must-win clash

Kovai Kings has three wins from six outings and require to win its concluding league game for a chance to make the Play-offs. Madurai Panthers, on the other hand, has already qualified and a win on Saturday will confirm its number one spot on the points table. Kanchi Veerans sprung a surprise on Kovai Kings by successfully defending 116. Kovai Kings lost three wickets in the powerplay and its middle order failed to step up.

Kovai Kings will rely heavily on openers Abhinav Mukund and Shahrukh Khan to fire while its strong bowling attack seems to be functioning well. Madurai Panthers surged to its fifth consecutive win against Karaikudi Kaalai. After restricting Kaalai to 158, in-form opener KB Arun Karthik scored 85 not out. The Madurai franchise failed to register a win the first two editions of the TNPL but has been resurgent this time around under new owners and captain. The teams have met twice before. Kovai Kings came up trumps once and the other encounter was abandoned due to rain.