Kathmandu Gurkhas defeat Biratnagar Kings
KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gurkhas defeated Biratnagar Kings by 1 wicket in the first match on Sunday, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Chasing a target of 118 set by Biratnagar, Kathmandu reached the target in 18.1 overs, losing 9 wickets. Pratik Shrestha was the top scorer for Kathmandu with 39 runs off 34 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes. He was dismissed in the 14th over by Anil Kharel. Captain Karan KC was also bowled out by Kharel on the first ball he faced.
Rashid Khan contributed 14 runs off 15 balls with 1 four and 1 six before being bowled out by Biratnagar’s captain, Sandeep Lamichhane. Opener Michael Levitt made 10 runs off 6 balls before falling to Sandeep’s bowling. Another opener, Stephen Eskinazi, was out for 1 run, dismissed by Basir Ahmad.
Lower-order batter Dipesh Kandel played a crucial role, remaining not out on 11 runs off 5 balls, guiding Kathmandu to a thrilling victory. Gerhard Erasmus also contributed 12 runs off 7 balls before being dismissed by Sandeep Lamichhane.
For Biratnagar, captain Sandeep Lamichhane claimed 3 wickets, while Anil Kharel, Chris Sol, and Basir Ahmad took 2 wickets each.
Earlier, Biratnagar, having lost the toss and asked to bat first, were bowled out for 117 runs in 19.5 overs. Rajesh Pulami Magar was the top scorer for Biratnagar with 25 runs off 21 balls, including 1 four and 1 six, before being dismissed by Karan KC in the 20th over.
Opener Dipak Bohara made 20 runs off 24 balls with 2 fours, before being dismissed by Dipesh Kandel in the 9th over. Scott Edwards contributed 15 runs off 14 balls, but was bowled out by Erasmus. Basir Ahmad made 13 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed after hitting a six in the 15th over.
Opener Lokesh Bam managed just 8 runs off 9 balls before being dismissed LBW by Dan Downwetht. Nicholas Kirton scored 12 runs off 19 balls before being run out. Ismat Alam made 5 runs before being bowled out by Kandel.
Kathmandu’s Jhard Erasmus took 3 wickets, while Dipesh Kandel claimed 2. Dan Downwetht, Karan KC, and Shahab Alam each took 1 wicket.
With this victory, Kathmandu Gurkhas remain in contention for the playoffs. If Karnali Yaks suffer a heavy defeat to Sudurpashchim in the match on Monday, Kathmandu will secure a spot in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Lumbini Lions, Biratnagar Kings, and Pokhara Avengers have been eliminated from the tournament.
Biratnagar Kings, already eliminated from the competition, played their final match of the season, ending it with a loss.
The second match of the day will feature Sudurpashchim Royals against Pokhara Avengers.
