KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 28
Kathmandu Gorkhas and Biratnagar Kings secured victories in today's fixtures of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
The Gorkhas thrashed Chitwan Rhinos by 53 runs, while Biratnagar clinched a three-wicket win over Karnali Yaks to collect two crucial points in the eight-team standings.
With the win, the Gorkhas moved to second place with eight points from four victories and one loss, having played one game more than table-toppers Sudurpaschim Royals. Biratnagar Kings climbed to third with six points from three wins and two defeats, while Chitwan Rhinos sit fourth with four points from two wins and two losses.
Chasing a target of 143, Chitwan Rhinos were bundled out for a meagre 89 in 17.1 overs, falling to a 53-run defeat after opting to field first.
John Simpson and Milind Kumar had earlier shared a 98-run stand for the third wicket, with Simpson smashing 60 off just 29 deliveries-including three fours and five sixes-while Kumar contributed a steady 38 off 43 balls with five boundaries.
In reply, Chitwan never looked in control of the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Simpson was later named Player of the Match for his brilliant innings.
In the day's other fixture, Basir Ahmad produced a mature, unbeaten 62 to guide Biratnagar home with three wickets and one ball to spare, striking a six off the penultimate delivery of the innings.
Karnali Yaks, having won the toss and elected to bat, posted a competitive 160/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Priyank Panchal top-scored with a fluent 63 off 47 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. Basir Ahmed was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding knock.
In tomorrow's double-header, Lumbini Lions face Pokhara Avengers, while table-toppers Sudurpaschim Royals lock horns with Janakpur Bolts under lights at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur.
