The Biratnagar Kings lost a nail-biting match in the Super Over, despite appearing to have victory within their grasp. With seven runs needed off the final ball, Raymon Reifer smashed a six off Bashir Ahmad to tie the game. In the Super Over, Sandeep Lamichhane took the responsibility to bowl but conceded 18 runs. Raymon Reifer, who had earlier hit two sixes in the final over and the Super Over, bowled brilliantly, giving away just five runs and sealing the win for the Pokhara Avengers. The Kings now need to win their remaining two matches by substantial margins to keep their playoff hopes alive. While Lamichhane was economical during the game, he remained wicketless for the fourth time in five matches.
Scott Edwards played a crucial knock of 45 off 35 on his NPL debut, helping the Biratnagar Kings post a competitive total. He will be key again in the upcoming matches, as Martin Guptill has struggled to make significant contributions since his fifty in the tournament opener. Guptill’s opening partner, Lokesh Bam, once again failed to capitalize on a promising start. On the brighter side, Pratish GC is finding form, with back-to-back four-wicket hauls adding firepower to the Kings’ bowling attack.
The Chitwan Rhinos are still in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs, but they will be aiming to secure a top-two finish. With two losses in their last three games, their chances of finishing in the top two look uncertain. Chitwan started the tournament with two dominating wins, driven by stellar performances from Sohail Tanvir, who took eight wickets in the first two games, including a five-for in the opener. However, Tanvir has managed just one wicket in the last three matches. To secure a top-two spot, the Rhinos will look to beat the Kings and then overcome the Janakpur Bolts in their final match.
Probable Playing XI (Biratnagar Kings)
Lokesh Bam (WK)
Martin Guptill
Scott Edwards
Naren Bhatta
Nicholas Kirton
Basir Ahamad
Dipak Bohara
Pratish GC
Sandeep Lamichhane (c)
Chris Sole
Anil Kharel
Probable Playing XI (Chitwan Rhinos)
Santosh Karki
Bipin Rawal (Wk)
Kushal Malla (C)
Ravi Bopara
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton
Deepak Bohara/Nar Sarki
Ranjit Kumar
Amar Singh Rautela
Rijan Dhakal
Sohail Tanvir
