Biratnagar Kings Maintain Undefeated Start in Nepal Premier League Season Two

The Biratnagar Kings secured their second consecutive victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season Two, defeating the Kathmandu Gorkhas by five wickets in a match played on Saturday. The result maintains the Kings’ perfect winning record, placing them alongside the Sudurpaschim Royals as the only undefeated teams in the current season. This win follows the Kings’ record-setting score victory against the Pokhara Avengers in their opening fixture.

The Kathmandu Gorkhas, who began the season with a promising win over defending champions Janakpur Bolts, have now suffered their second straight defeat, having previously lost to the Sudurpaschim Royals. The Gorkhas were restricted to a total of 134 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs after being sent in to bat at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. A key partnership helped resurrect the innings after the Gorkhas were precariously placed at 56 for 5.

Adil Alam top-scored for the Gorkhas with an unbeaten 48 runs off 25 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. He was supported by Santosh Yadav, who contributed 26 runs, and an opening knock of 32 from Ben Charlesworth. The Kings’ bowling attack was led by Marchant de Lange, who took two wickets for 17 runs in his four overs. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane, Shubham Ranjane, and Surya Tamang each claimed one wicket.

In response, the Biratnagar Kings successfully chased the target of 135 runs in 17.1 overs, losing five wickets. Opener George Munsey provided a rapid start, scoring 36 runs off just 16 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Martin Guptill added 25 runs, and Naren Bhatt scored 24. The winning runs were fittingly struck by captain Sandeep Lamichhane, who hit a boundary off Gorkhaz captain Karan KC. Shahab Alam was the most successful bowler for the Gorkhas, taking two wickets, while Karan KC, Gerard Erasmus, and Santosh Yadav each secured one.

The victory solidifies the Biratnagar Kings’ strong position early in the tournament, underscoring their potential as a championship contender. Conversely, the Kathmandu Gorkhas must now regroup to reverse their losing streak and keep their playoff aspirations alive in the highly competitive league.