Tuti looks to stay alive

With two victories from five fixtures, Tuti is still in the race for a top four finish. It will have to win both its remaining games – against Trichy and Chepauk Super Gillies – and hope other results go in its favour. In contrast, RTW is still seeking its first triumph in the competition.

India international Murali Vijay (235 runs) has been brilliant with the bat at the top of the order, but has got literally no assistance from his teammates. It has lost two close matches thus far – against iDream Karaikudi Kaalai and defending champion Siechem Madurai Panthers. With no success in five duels, RTW can still avoid the last place if it wins its final two encounters – against Patriots and VB Kanchi Veerans.

The onus will once again be on Vijay to shore it provided the other batsmen also step up. The second-best batters for Trichy are wicketkeeper Mani Bharathi and opener Karunakaran Mukunth, who have a paltry tally of 77 runs each. Their bad form has cost Trichy dear in TNPL 4. Both teams, thus, have different goals in front of them and that will make up for an interesting contest.