Kathmandu, Dec 15: In the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket, Kathmandu Gurkhas defeated Biratnagar Kings by one wicket in today’s first match.
With the loss, Biratnagar Kings was out of playoffs after failing to enter top four.
Chasing a target of 118 runs set by Biratnagar at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu completed the chase in 18.1 overs, losing nine wickets.
For Kathmandu, Pratik Shrestha was the top scorer with 39 runs off 34 balls, including two sixes and two fours. Shankar Rana remained unbeaten on 16, while Rashid Khan scored 14, Gerhard Erasmus 12, Dipesh Kandel an unbeaten 11, and Michael Leask added 10 runs.
Other contributors included Shahab Alam with two runs, while Stephen Eskinazi, Bhim Sharki, and Dane Douthwaite scored one run each. Kathmandu also benefited from 13 extra runs.
In bowling, Biratnagar’s captain Sandeep Lamichhane took the highest three wickets, while Chris Sole, Basir Ahmed, and Anil Kharel claimed two wickets each.
Earlier, opting to bat first after losing the toss, Biratnagar was bowled out for 117 runs in 19.5 overs. Rajesh Pulami was the top scorer with 25 runs off 21 balls, hitting one six and one four. Dipak Bohara added 20, Scott Edwards 15, Basir Ahmed 13, and Nicholas Kirton 12 runs.
Other contributions included Lokesh Bam (8), Subash Bhandari (6), Ismat Alam (5), and Chris Sole (1), while Biratnagar received 12 extra runs.
In bowling, Kathmandu’s Gerhard Erasmus took the most three wickets, while Dipesh Kandel grabbed two. Captain Karan KC, Shahab Alam, and Dane Douthwaite picked up one wicket each. #nepal #npl #cricket
