Kirtipur:Biratnagar Kings achieved their inaugural victory in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament, defeating Sudurpashchim Royals by 35 runs. The match, which concluded on Saturday, saw Biratnagar setting a target of 106 runs, which Sudurpashchim failed to meet, scoring only 70 runs and losing three wickets within the first five overs.
According to National News Agency Nepal, this defeat marks Sudurpashchim’s second loss in the tournament. Saif Ali Zaib contributed 17 runs off 10 balls, including two sixes for Far West, while Scott Kuggeleijn remained not out with 28 runs, and Arif Shaikh added an unbeaten 17 runs.
In the bowling department, Rupesh Singh, Angelo Mathews, and Andre Russell each took one wicket for Biratnagar. Biratnagar, having lost the toss, was invited to bat first at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, where Shehan Jayasuriya stood out by scoring 39 runs off 11 balls, including five sixes and two fours.
Andre Russell also contributed an unbeaten 29 runs, and Lokesh Bam added 25 runs to Biratnagar’s tally. Avinash Bohara took one wicket for Sudurpashchim. Meanwhile, the first match of the day between Chitwan Rhinos and Lumbini Lions was canceled due to rain.