Kathmandu, December 4
Biratnagar Kings, led by captain Sandeep Lamichhane, claimed their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Rohit Paudel’s Lumbini Lions by two wickets in a nail-biting encounter.
Chasing a target of 192 runs set by Lumbini, Biratnagar reached the target with one ball to spare, losing eight wickets in the process. After losing their first two matches, this victory marked Biratnagar’s maiden win, while Lumbini suffered defeat in their opening game.
In the final over, Biratnagar needed 16 runs to win. Sandeep Lamichhane and Deepak Bohara were at the crease. Despite Sandeep’s dismissal early in the over, Chris Sole smashed three consecutive boundaries, including a six, to seal the victory. Sole remained unbeaten on 14 runs off four balls, while Bohara added nine runs not out.
Opener Lokesh Bam laid the foundation for the win with a top score of 71 runs off 47 balls, hitting three fours and six sixes. Bashir Ahmed contributed a vital 40 runs off 23 balls, while Martin Guptill scored 28 runs from 17 balls. Lokesh shared crucial partnerships of 62 runs with Guptill and 87 runs with Bashir, which proved decisive in the chase.
For Lumbini, Durgesh Gupta was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 21 runs in four overs. Saad Bin Zafar and Ramon Simmonds claimed two wickets each, conceding 35 and 33 runs, respectively.
Batting first at TU Cricket Ground after losing the toss, Lumbini posted a formidable 191/7 in 20 overs, the highest team score in the ongoing NPL. Rohit Paudel top-scored with 46 runs off 29 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes. Tom Moores contributed 30 runs off 17 balls with a boundary and three sixes. The duo added 67 runs for the third wicket, providing a solid platform before Biratnagar struck back.
Bivek Yadav added a quickfire 19 runs off seven balls with three sixes, helping Lumbini set a challenging target. Other contributions came from Arjun Saud (17), Ashutosh Ghireya (15), Saad Bin Zafar (15), and Sandeep Jora (12).
For Biratnagar, Sandeep Lamichhane, Rajesh Pulami Magar, and Ismat Alam each picked up a wicket. Notably, four Lumbini players were run out, reflecting sharp fielding by Biratnagar.
This win gives Biratnagar much-needed momentum, while Lumbini will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
