Sudurpaschim Royals set a challenging target of 183 runs for Biratnagar Kings in the current Nepal Premier League game at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Tuesday.
Despite initial obstacles, the Royals established a demanding target, mainly because of Captain Dipendra Singh Airee’s exceptional innings of 57 not out off just 24 balls, featuring three fours and five sixes.
The innings started off uncertainly, as the Royals lost Amit Shrestha (1) quickly, caught by Martin Guptill off Ismat Alam during the second over. Binod Bhandari (23) and Brandon McMullen (36) stabilized the innings, yet both were dismissed by Anil Kharel, with Bhandari caught by Pratis GC and McMullen out in the same manner. Aarif Sheikh (9) and Saif Zaib (14) were dismissed swiftly, leaving the Royals in trouble at 69-4 by the 11th over.
Nonetheless, Airee’s forceful batting style shifted the match in favor of the Royals. His swift innings featured a series of boundaries and sixes, delivering the needed boost in the final stages. Ishan Pandey (21) also played a role in the effort before being dismissed.
Scott Kuggeleijn (10) and Basant Khatri (4) made short appearances, yet it was Airee who led the way, steering the Royals to a solid score. The Royals concluded their innings with a score of 182-7.
