Commanding HARI NISHAANTH powers COIMBATORE TO SEMI FINALS

Coimbatore registered a convincing seven-wicket victory over Thoothukudi in the QuarterFinals of SS Rajan Trophy (Tamil Nadu Inter-District T20 Tournament) organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). The match was held at CSK Grounds, Tirunelveli in the afternoon of Tuesday, 06 January 2026. The win was possible due to a disciplined bowling effort by Coimbatore bowlers and a commanding and unbeaten captain's innings by Hari Nishanth.

Batting first, Thoothukudi were restricted to 144 for 8 in their 20 overs, courtesy a disciplined and incisive bowling effort from Coimbatore. The innings began on a disastrous note for Thoothukudi as they lost both openers for ducks inside the first over. Captain Rajalingam G then anchored a recovery with a composed 44 off 34 balls, adding a vital 69-run partnership with Manojkumar T, who contributed 32 off 27 deliveries. Despite brief resistance in the middle overs, Coimbatore maintained control through timely strikes. Saravana Kumar P and Gowtham Thamarai Kannan K led the bowling effort with two wickets apiece, while consistent pressure ensured that Thoothukudi could not accelerate in the death overs. A late flourish from Madhavan M, who scored a brisk 40 off 25 balls, lifted Thoothukudi to a modest but competitive total of 144.

In reply, Coimbatore lost two early wickets with Athisayaraj Davidson accounting for Vijay Abhimanyu and Mohammed Ashik. But captain Hari Nishaanth displayed authority and composure to take complete control of the chase. He found able support from Ajitesh G, who struck a rapid 25 off just 12 balls, propelling Coimbatore firmly ahead of the required rate. Once Ajitesh departed, Hari Nishaanth continued to dictate terms, combining aggression with calculated shot selection. He forged an unbeaten 78-run partnership with Kousik J, who played a confident supporting role with an unbeaten 33 off 22 balls. Nishaanth remained not out on a dominant 78 off 48 deliveries, striking six sixes, as Coimbatore reached 149 for 3 in just 15.1 overs, chasing down the target with 29 balls to spare. 

Match Summary
Thoothukudi 144/8 in 20 overs
Rajalingam G 44 (34)
Madhavan M 40 (25)

Saravana Kumar P 2/18 (4 overs)
Gowtham Thamarai Kannan K 2/24 (3 overs)

lost to 

Coimbatore 149/3 in 15.1 overs
Hari Nishaanth C 78* (48)
Kousik J 33* (22)

Athisayaraj Davidson V 2/21 (4 overs)
Manojkumar T 1/21 (2 Overs)

Coimbatore won by 7 wickets.

With this win, Coimbatore advances to the Semifinals of SS Rajan Trophy and will face Ranipet on 8th January at CSK Cricket Ground Tirunelveli.