Biratnagar Kings secure second consecutive win (photos)

KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings clinched their second straight victory in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas by five wickets in Saturday’s second match.

Chasing a target of 135 runs, Biratnagar reached 136/5 in 17.1 overs. George Munsey top-scored with a steady 36 runs, while Naren Bhatta contributed 24. Martin Guptill added 25, Lokesh Bam 14, and Basir Ahmed remained crucial with 19 runs.

For Kathmandu, Shahab Alam picked up two wickets, while Karan KC, Gerhard Erasmus, and Santosh Yadav claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, put into bat at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu posted 134/6 in the allotted 20 overs.

Adil Alam anchored the innings with an unbeaten 48, supported by Ben Charlesworth with 32 and Santosh Yadav with 26 runs.

Biratnagar’s Merchant de Lange took two wickets, while captain Sandeep Lamichhane, Shubham Ranjane, and Surya Tamang grabbed one wicket apiece.

Biratnagar had defeated Pokhara Avengers in their opening match, while Kathmandu—playing their third fixture—suffered their second loss.

Kathmandu had beaten Janakpur Bolts in their first match but fell to Sudurpaschim in the second.

With today’s result, Biratnagar climbed to second position in the points table. Kathmandu sit third, while Sudurpaschim maintain their lead at the top.

Earlier in the first match of the day, Karnali Yaks thrashed Lumbini Lions by nine wickets.

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