Kathmandu Gurkhas triumphed over Biratnagar Kings by a single wicket in the Nepal Premier League game on Sunday at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. Pursuing a modest goal of 118, Kathmandu reached it in 18.1 overs.
Dipesh Kandel and Shankar Rana achieved victory with a not-out 18-run partnership. Needing two runs for victory, Kandel hit a match-winning boundary off Subash Bhandari. Kandel made 11 runs from five balls, hitting a four and a six, while Rana added 16 runs from 20 balls.
The win sustains Kathmandu’s chances for the playoffs, yet places them in a risky situation. Having secured four victories in seven matches, they share eight points with Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks, although Chitwan tops the standings due to a better net run rate. Karnali is set to play their last league match against Sudurpaschim Royals on Monday.
Pratik Shrestha was the leading scorer for Kathmandu, making 39 runs from 34 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Additional contributors were Michael Levit (10), Gerhard Erasmus (12), and Rashid Khan (14), whereas captain Karan KC was out without scoring. Bowlers from Biratnagar, Chris Sole and Basir Ahmed, took two wickets apiece, whereas Sandeep Lamichhane was effective, allowing only 19 runs in four overs.
Previously, choosing to bat first, Biratnagar was dismissed for 117 runs in 19.5 overs. Erasmus excelled with the ball, claiming 3-17, which included the dismissals of Scott Edwards, Chris Sole, and Lamichhane in one over. Dipesh Kandel contributed with 2-16, while each of Shahab Alam, Dan Douthwaite, and Karan KC took one wicket.
Rajesh Pulami was the top batsman for Biratnagar, making 25 runs off 21 balls. Efforts from Deepak Bohara (20) and Nicholas Kirton (10) were insufficient to elevate the team to a competitive score. Biratnagar’s campaign concludes with only four points from six matches, ruling them out of playoff possibilities.
