KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings rode on a devastating batting show from Faf du Plessis and Sam Heazlett to hand Sudurpaschim Royals their first defeat of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) season on Saturday.
Chasing 148 at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Biratnagar completely dismantled the Royals’ bowling attack, thanks to the power-hitting of du Plessis and Heazlett at the top. The pair dominated from the outset, setting the tone for a chase that was wrapped up inside just 12 overs.
Heazlett was the more aggressive of the two, smashing 51 off 27 balls with three fours and four sixes. Du Plessis matched the tempo with a blistering 50 off only 20 deliveries, hammering five boundaries and four sixes as Biratnagar surged ahead of the required run rate with ease.
Their partnership left Sudurpaschim with no answers, overshadowing the Royals’ own strong opening stand earlier in the match. For Sudurpaschim, Avinash Bohara picked up two wickets while Harmeet Singh added one, but Biratnagar’s momentum remained untouched throughout the chase.
With the win, the Kings moved to second place and will face the Royals again in the 1st Qualifier on December 9.
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