KATHMANDU: The Biratnagar Kings announced their title intentions in emphatic style, smashing the highest team total in Nepal Premier League (NPL) history to defeat the Pokhara Avengers by 53 runs at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, the Biratnagar Kings’ batting lineup proved relentless, posting a phenomenal 220 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs. This score shattered the previous NPL record, making Biratnagar the first team to breach the 200-run mark in the tournament.
The innings was built on a thunderous 132-run partnership for the second wicket between Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill, a rare instance of two batsmen scoring half-centuries in the same NPL match. Bam was the top scorer, blitzing 72 runs off 48 balls, showcasing sheer power with seven sixes.
The veteran Guptill provided the early impetus, scoring a rapid 61 runs off 35 balls, including five sixes. Shubham Ranjane’s late 38 off just 16 balls provided the final, destructive finish. For Pokhara, the bowlers endured a tough day, conceding 17 sixes in total, with Matt Taylor taking two wickets.
Chasing the mammoth target of 221, the Pokhara Avengers started promisingly through Adam Rossington (39 runs) and captain Kushal Bhurtel, who combined for a quick 76-run stand. However, the Biratnagar’s acaptain, star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, seized control of the game by dismissing Jimmy Neesham and Tritraj Das for ducks in the same over, triggering a sudden middle-order collapse.
Despite captain Bhurtel’s fighting 59 runs off 31 balls, a lack of support meant the Avengers could not sustain the chase. They were eventually bowled out for 167 runs in 18.5 overs. The Biratnagar bowling attack was a unified force, with Lamichhane, Marchant De Lange, Shubham Ranjane, and Pratish GC all claiming two wickets each to seal the comprehensive 53-run victory.
The tournament continues on Wednesday with a single match scheduled at 4 PM, pitting the Kathmandu Gorkhas against the Sudurpaschim Royals, who will be playing their first game of the season.
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