Kathmandu Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive with 1-Wicket Victory Over Biratnagar

Kathmandu – In a must-win match under the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Kathmandu Gorkhas secured a thrilling 1-wicket victory over Biratnagar Kings, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

In the first match of the day on Sunday, Kathmandu chased down a target of 118 runs set by Biratnagar after losing the toss and being asked to field first. Kathmandu reached the target in 18.1 overs, losing 9 wickets in the process.

For Kathmandu, Pratik Shrestha scored 39 runs, while Rashid Khan contributed 14 runs. Gerhard Erasmus made 12 runs, and Michael Levitt scored 10 runs.

Shankar Rana remained unbeaten on 16 runs for Kathmandu. For Biratnagar, Sandeep Lamichhane took 3 wickets, while Anil Kharel, Basir Ahmed, and Chris Sole each claimed 2 wickets.

Earlier, Biratnagar, batting first after losing the toss, set a modest target of 118 runs. Rajesh Pulami top-scored for Biratnagar with 25 runs.

Apart from him, Deepak Bohara scored 20 runs, and Nicholas Kirton was dismissed for 12 runs. Scott Edwards contributed 15 runs, and Basir Ahmed added 13 runs as other significant scores.

Biratnagar’s opener Lokesh Bam was dismissed for 8 runs, while Ismat Alam fell for 5 runs and Chris Sole was out for just 1 run.

For Kathmandu, Gerhard Erasmus took 3 wickets, while Dipesh Kandel claimed 2 wickets. Don Douthwaite, Karan KC, and Sahab Alam each took 1 wicket.