Kathmandu Gurkhas has inched closer to the playoff of the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Biratnagar Kings by 1 wicket.
Chasing the 118-run target, Kathmandu reached it in 18.1 overs by losing 9 wickets.
To secure the win against the opponent, Pratik Shrestha topped the score with 39 runs including 2 fours and 2 sixes off 34 balls followed by Shankar Rana and Rashid Khan with 16 and 14 runs, respectively while Gerhard Erasmus scored 12 runs. Similarly, Dipesh Kandel, and Michael Levitt contributed 11 and 10 runs, respectively.
On the bowling side, Sandeep Lamichhane took the highest 3 wickets followed by Chris Sole and Anil Kharel with 2 wickets each while Basir Ahamad claimed 1 wicket each.
Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Biratnagar Kings notched up 117 runs losing all wickets in 19.5 overs. Rajesh Pulami made the highest 25 runs followed by Dipak Bohara 20 runs while Scott Edwards and Basir Ahamad scored 15 and 13 runs, respectively. Similarly, Nicholas Kirton contributed 12 runs.
In reply, Gerhard Erasmus took the highest 3 wickets followed by Dipesh Kandel with 2 wickets while Shahab Alam, Karan KC and Dan Douthwaite 1 wicket each for Kathmandu.
Biratnagar has already crashed out of the Nepal Premier League. On the other hand, with the win, Kathmandu has inched closer to the playoff. Kathmandu will reach the playoff, if Sudurpachim defeats Karnali in the coming match. The match between Sudurpaschim and Karnali is scheduled for Monday.
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