Kathmandu: Cricketer Bhim Sarki of the Kathmandu Gorkhas has become the first Nepali cricketer to strike the fastest half-century in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Bhim achieved this feat by scoring a half-century with five fours and four sixes in just 19 balls against the Pokhara Avengers. Until now, no Nepali batter in the ongoing NPL had achieved a half-century this quickly. Bhim’s record equals that of foreign player Harmit Singh of Sudurpschim Royals, who also achieved a half-century in 19 balls against Kathmandu.
Earlier, Jimi Nisham of the Janakpur Bolts set a record by hitting a half-century in 18 balls during the last season. Bhim’s performance has increased the number of half-centuries to 29 in this edition of the league.
So far, 25 cricketers have made it to the list of players who have hit a half-century this season. Ravi Bopara of the Chitwan Rhinos has hit three half-centuries, while Kushal Bhurtel of the Pokhara Avengers and Prinyank Panchal of the Karnali Yaks have each made two centuries in the season.
Other players who have hit a half-century this season include Binod Bhandari, Josh Brown, Harmit Singh, and Ishan Pandey of Suhdurpaschim Royals; Lokesh Bam, Martin Guptil, and Basir Ahmad of Biratnagar Kings; Sumit Bagale, Jimi Nisham, and Adam Rossington of Pokhara; David Malan and Arjun Saud of Chitwan; John Simpson and Ben Charlesworth of Kathmandu Gorkhas; Mark Watt of Karnali; D’Arcy Short of Lumbini; Bayan Parnel, Sanjaya Krishnamurty, Maaz Sadaqat, Anil Shah, and Aasif Sheikh.
Only two batsmen-Mark Watt of Karnali and Adam Rossington of Pokhara-have hit a century in the ongoing tournament.