Mushtaq Ali Trophy: TN holds its nerve to pip Railways

Indore Shahrukh Khan (46 n.o., 30b, 5x4, 2x6) rediscovered his characteristic finishing touch to help Tamil Nadu fashion a six-run victory over Railways in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group B encounter at the Daly College ground here on Saturday. Having been sent in, Tamil Nadu posted 172 for seven, recovering from a mid-innings wobble through a late assault by Shahrukh and R. Rajkumar (31, 13b, 1x4, 3x6), the duo adding 55 runs off 33 balls for the fifth wicket. Opener Amith Sathvik set the tone with an enterprising 38 off 28 balls, striking seven fours.

He added 65 runs with B. Sachin (33) for the second wicket. But Railways fought back, with leg-spinner Pradhyumn Parikh (two for 29) leading a disciplined bowling effort. At 83 for three in 11.3 overs, Tamil Nadu needed a pick-me-up.

Shahrukh obliged. He cut and lofted inside-out for fours against spin, and pulled a short ball from pacer Atal Bihari Rai over deep squareleg for six.