Kathmandu Gurkhas kept their playoff hopes alive in the Nepal Premier League with a thrilling one-wicket victory against Biratnagar Kings on Sunday at TU International Cricket Ground. For Kathmandu to qualify, Sudurpaschim Royals need to beat Karnali Yaks by more than 53 runs in Monday’s final league stage match.
Biratnagar Kings, struggling with their batting form, posted a modest 117, being bowled out in the 20th over. The chase, however, was far from straightforward, as the Gurkhas secured the win in the 19th over after a hard-fought battle.
Kings falter with the bat
Electing to bat first, Biratnagar made changes to their opening pair due to Martin Guptill’s injury, with Ismat Alam stepping in. Both openers, Lokesh Bam and Dipak Bohara, were trapped LBW by Kathmandu’s spinners, Lokesh Bam dismissed by Dan Douthwaite for 8, and Dipak Bohara falling to Dipesh Kandel after a 20-run contribution.
Nicholas Kirton was run out by Pratik Shrestha for 8, while Rajesh Pulami top-scored with a 21-ball 25, featuring a boundary and a six. The remaining batters struggled against Kathmandu’s spin attack.
Gerhard Erasmus was the standout bowler, taking 3/17 in his four overs, supported by Dipesh Kandel’s 2/16. Captain Karan KC, Shahab Alam, and Dan Douthwaite chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Gurkhas stumble but prevail
Needing to chase the target within 10 overs to surpass Karnali Yaks’ Net Run Rate, Kathmandu suffered a batting collapse in the powerplay, losing five wickets, including tournament top scorers Stephen Eskinazi, Gerhard Erasmus, and Michael Levitt.
Erasmus and Levitt fell to Biratnagar skipper Sandeep Lamichhane, who showed his class with figures of 3/19. An exchange of words with Erasmus after his dismissal added intensity to the contest, but the situation remained under control.
Pratik Shrestha anchored Kathmandu’s innings with a 39-ball 34, hitting two boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Anil Kharel. Dipesh Kandel (11* off 5) and Sankar Rana’s late 18-run partnership saw the Gurkhas home.
Dipesh Kandel was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, 2/16 with the ball and an unbeaten 11 during the tense chase.
For Biratnagar, Lamichhane led the bowling unit, while Bashir Ahmad, Anil Kharel, and Chris Sole contributed two wickets each. However, their efforts couldn’t compensate for the batting unit’s failure. Biratnagar ended their campaign with two wins and five losses. Head coach Kevin O’Brien attributed the season’s struggles to misreading pitches in the early stage of the competition.
Kathmandu’s playoff equation
Kathmandu’s playoff fate now hinges on Sudurpaschim Royals defeating Karnali Yaks by at least 54 runs. All eyes will be on Monday’s clash to determine if the Gurkhas can make it to the top four.
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