KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals claimed their first victory of the Nepal Premier League on Wednesday, defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas by 29 runs at the TU Cricket Ground.
Batting first, Sudurpaschim were bowled out for 147 runs in the allotted 20 overs, recovering from a disastrous start. The Royals lost openers Josh Brown and Binod Bhandari in the very first over, before star batter Chris Lynn also fell cheaply, reducing the side to a perilous 4 for 3 courtesy of a fiery spell from Karan KC.
Wickets continued to fall as Milind Kumar and Rashid Khan kept the Royals under pressure. But captain Dipendra Singh Airee and Harmeet Singh mounted a much-needed recovery, with Harmeet producing one of the standout innings of the tournament so far. His explosive 53 off just 20 balls, featuring two fours and six towering sixes, lifted Sudurpaschim to a competitive total.
For Kathmandu, Karan KC was exceptional with the ball, finishing with four wickets, while Sunny Patel, Milind Kumar, and Rashid Khan picked up two wickets each.
In response, Kathmandu Gorkhas faltered under sustained pressure from Sudurpaschim’s disciplined bowling attack. Chasing 148, they were bundled out for 118 in 16.5 overs.
Hemant Dhami struck early, removing opener Ben Charlesworth with the first ball of the second over and dismissing Bhim Sharki soon after. Kathmandu never recovered from the early blows, losing wickets at regular intervals despite brief attempts to rebuild.
With this win, Sudurpaschim opened their NPL campaign on a high, while Kathmandu now sit with one win and one loss, having beaten Janakpur Bolts in the opening match.
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