Sudurpaschim Royals made a victorious start to the Nepal Premier League, defeating Biratnagar Kings. This marked Biratnagar’s second consecutive loss, as they had previously been beaten by Janakpur Bolts by 8 wickets.
At the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Biratnagar was bowled out for just 92 runs in 16.1 overs while chasing a target of 183 set by Sudurpaschim. Basir Ahamad was the top scorer for Biratnagar with 24 runs, while Rajesh Pulami contributed 15, and Anil Kharel remained unbeaten with 10 runs.
For Sudurpaschim, Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara were the standout bowlers, each claiming 3 wickets. Kuggeleijn conceded 30 runs in 4 overs, while Bohara gave away just 17 runs in 3 overs. Brandon McMullen bowled economically, picking up 1 wicket for just 8 runs in 3 overs, including a maiden. Ishan Pandey also took a wicket.
Earlier, Sudurpaschim Royals, batting first after losing the toss, posted 182 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs.
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee played a blistering knock, scoring an unbeaten 57 runs off just 24 balls, hitting 3 fours and 5 sixes. Airee reached his half-century in just 23 balls, making it the fastest fifty of the tournament so far.
Brandon McMullen, batting at number three, scored 36 runs off 26 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. Opener Binod Bhandari contributed 23 runs off 20 balls, while Ishan Pandey added 21 runs off 16 balls.
Biratnagar’s bowling attack was led by left-arm spinner Anil Kharel, who took 3 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs. Chris Sole, Ismat Alam, and Basir Ahamad picked up a wicket each.
Dipendra Singh Airee & Sandeep Lamichhane Post Match Press Conference , Biratnagar Kings vs Sudurpaschim Royals
