KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals have set Karnali Yaks a target of 177 runs in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), posting 176 for six in their allotted 20 overs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
After Karnali won the toss and elected to field, Sudurpaschim made an aggressive start, with openers Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari putting together a 68-run partnership in 7.3 overs.
Bhandari scored 27 off 22 balls, including two fours and two sixes, before being run out. Zaib contributed 35 runs from 24 deliveries, hitting four fours and a six, before being bowled by Surya Tamang.
Brandon McMullen added 24 runs before being caught by Nandan Yadav, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee departed after scoring 10 runs.
Ishan Pandey provided further momentum with a quickfire 23 off 13 balls, including three sixes, before being caught by Mark Watt. Arif Sheikh contributed 11 runs before being dismissed.
Tharindu Ratnayake remained unbeaten on 22, while Scott Kuggeleijn was not out on 13 as Sudurpaschim finished with a competitive total of 176 for six.
For Karnali, Mark Watt was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 27 runs. Nandan Yadav, Hussain Talat and Surya Tamang took one wicket each.
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