Biratnagar Kings claim dominant win in NPL second edition

KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings registered a commanding victory in their second match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Tuesday, defeating Pokhara Avengers by 53 runs to secure their first two points.

Chasing a massive 221-run target, Pokhara were bowled out for 167 runs in 18.5 overs.

Captain Kushal Bhurtel top-scored with 59 runs, followed by Adam Rossington with 39, Abhishek Tiwari with 11, and Dan Dawwarth with 29. No other batter managed to reach double digits.

For Biratnagar, Pratish GC, Shubham Ranjane, Marchant de Lange, and captain Sandeep Lamichhane took two wickets each, while Basir Ahmed and Surya Tamang picked up one wicket apiece.

Earlier, losing the toss and invited to bat first at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Biratnagar posted a mammoth 220/6, marking the highest total in NPL history.

They broke their own previous record of 193 runs set against Lumbini Lions in the last edition.

Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill led the charge with brilliant half-centuries.

• Guptill smashed 61 off 35 balls with 3 fours and 5 sixes.

• Lokesh scored 72 off 48 balls, hitting 1 four and 7 sixes.

The duo shared a massive 132-run stand for the second wicket.
Shubham Ranjane contributed 38 off 16 balls, while Basir Ahmed added 23 off 13 balls.

For Pokhara, Mart Taylor took 2 wickets, while Aakash Chand, Sagar Dhakal, and Kushal Bhurtel claimed one each.