Nepal Premier League: Kathmandu defeat Biratnagar by one wicket

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gurkhas defeated Biratnagar Kings by one wicket on Sunday.

In the first match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Cricket Tournament held at TU Cricket Ground Kirtipur, Kathmandu achieved the 118-run victory target posted by Biratnagar in 18.1 overs at the loss of eight wickets.

Pratik Shrestha top scored 39 runs, including two sixes and two boundaries, in 34 balls for Kathmandu.  Shankar Rana made 16-not out, Rashid Khan 14, Gerhard Erasmus 12, Dipesh Kandel undefeated 11 and Michael Levitt 10.

Likewise, Shahab Alam scored two runs while Stephen Eskinazi, Bhim Sarki and Daniel Douthwaite made one run each for Kathmandu. Kathmandu got 13 extra runs in the match.

Towards bowling, Captain Sandeep Lamichhane took the highest three wickets while Chris Sole, Basir Ahamad and Anil Kharel each took two wickets.

Before this, batting first after losing the toss, Biratnagar had scored 117 runs in 19.5 overs by losing all wickets. Rajesh Pulami scored the highest 25 runs with the help of one six and one four in 21 balls for Biratnagar.

Similarly, Dipak Bohara hit 20 runs, Scott Edwards 15, Bashir Ahamad 13, Nicholas Kirton 12, Lokesh Bam 8, Subas Bhandari 6, Ishmat Alam 5 and Chris Sole one for Biratnagar. Biratnagar got 12 extra runs.

Towards bowling, Gerhard Erasmus took the highest three wickets, Dipesh Kandel two wickets and captain Karan KC, Shahab Alam and Dan Douthwaite each took one wicket for Kathmandu.