NPL: Nepali players deliver stellar performances
The tournament, held at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur since Mangsir 1 (Nov 17), has already seen 11 matches played.
KATHMANDU: Nepali cricketers are making a mark in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL), widely regarded as the country’s cricketing festival.
The tournament, held at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur since Mangsir 1 (Nov 17), has already seen 11 matches played.
Nepali players have stood out, earning the ‘Player of the Match’ award in four games, including three consecutive matches.
In the latest match on Mangsir 9, Kathmandu Gorkhas captain Karan KC led his team to a 22-run victory over Lumbini Lions, scoring an unbeaten 34 off 11 balls and taking one wicket.
On Mangsir 8, Sudurpaschim Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee delivered an all-round performance against Karnali Yaks, helping his team secure a four-run win with 39 runs and four wickets.
Earlier that day, Biratnagar Kings captain Sandeep Lamichhane took four wickets to defeat Janakpur Bolts by nine runs and was named Player of the Match.
Earlier highlights include Lokesh Bam’s 78-run innings for Biratnagar against Pokhara Avengers on Mangsir 2.
Foreign players have also shone, with Milind Kumar, Ravi Bopara, Harmit Singh, Ruben Traplemann, Josh Brown, and Mark Watt achieving notable performances in various matches.
Currently, Sudurpaschim Royals top the points table with six points from three consecutive wins. Biratnagar Kings, also with six points from three games, are second based on run rate.
Kathmandu follows in third, Karnali fourth, Chitwan fifth, Lumbini sixth, Janakpur seventh, and Pokhara at the bottom.
In individual stats, foreign player Mark Watt from Karnali Yaks leads the run charts with 147 runs, including the only century of the season.
In bowling, Nepali players dominate, with Sandeep Lamichhane leading with seven wickets.
Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the NPL will continue until Mangsir 27 (Dec 13).
