Since the Everest Premier League (EPL) started in 2016, there have been only four centuries across five major T20 franchise leagues. Two are in the Everest Premier League, and one is in the Pokhara Premier League and Nepal Premier League. There were no centurions in Dhangadhi Premier League and Nepal T20 League. Let’s rewind all these centuries,
First Century – Aasif Sheikh ( Everest Premier League 2016 )
Nepal’s national team wicket-keeper batter Aasif Sheikh first showcased his talent during the final of the Everest Premier League when he blasted Ton against Colors X-Factors. Playing for Panchakanya Tej, Aasif scored 111 off 64 balls with the help of 7 fours and 8 sixes at T.U Ground. On the back of Sheikh’s ton, Tej comfortably won the final match by 40 runs to win the inaugural edition of the Everest Premier League.
Second Century – Ravi Inder Singh ( Everest Premier League 2018 )
Indian southpaw registered his name in the history of Nepal Cricket when he hammered a century in a mammoth run-chase (216). In reply to Pokhara Rhinos’ massive 215, Ravi Inder Singh notched 125 off 60 balls including 8 fours and 10 sixes – It’s the first century while chasing total. Bhairahawa Gladiators won by 4 wickets with two balls to spare. This is still the highest-ever run-chase in any 20-over tournament in Nepal.
Third Century – Gyanendra Malla ( Pokhara Premier League 2019 )
Former Nepal Captain Gyanendra Malla became the first batter to score a century in the Pokhara Premier League (PPL) when he bludgeoned a 37-ball ton against Expert Dhangadi Blues in a 17-over match. Batting first, Kathmandu Golden Warriors posted 185/5. All thanks to then-skipper Gyanendra Malla, who put on a show with 100 off 38 balls with the help of 8 fours and 9 sixes. Warriors won the game easily by 106 runs.
Fourth Century – Andries Gous ( Nepal Premier League 2024 )
Pokhara Avengers were under immense pressure after losing two back-to-back matches, but they found a hero in Andries Gous during a tricky run chase. Chasing 171 against the Lumbini Lions, the USA batter produced a sensational performance, smashing an unbeaten 104 off just 55 balls at the T.U. Ground. Gous, the first centurion of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), lit up the field with his dazzling strokeplay, hitting 12 fours and 5 sixes to guide his team to a memorable victory.
Century Makers in Nepal’s Franchise League
- Aasif Sheikh ( Panchakanya Tej ) : 111 ( 64 ) vs Colors X-Factors
- Ravi Inder Singh ( Bhairahawa Gladiators ) : 125 ( 60 ) vs Pokhara Rhinos
- Gyanendra Malla ( Kathmandu Golden Warriors ) : 100 ( 38 ) vs Expert Dhangadhi Blues
- Andries Gous ( Pokhara Avengers ) : 104 ( 55 ) vs Lumbini Lions
