The Sudurpaschim Royals easily defeat the Kathmandu Gurkhas thanks to Naren Saud's five-wicket haul

In a commanding performance at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Sudurpaschim Royals developed victorious over Kathmandu Gurkhas by 73 runs in their second match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

After being called to bat, Sudurpaschim set a target of 168 runs with a score of 167/6 in their distributed 20 overs. Skipper Dipendra Singh Airee played an urgent part, crushing 43 runs off fair 25 balls, counting three fours and two sixes. Brandon McMullen too awed, scoring a brisk 53 from 36 balls, highlighting three fours and four sixes. Binod Bhandari contributed a strong 35 off 28 balls, shaping a pivotal 86-run organization with McMullen for the second wicket.

Kathmandu Gurkhas’ chase got off to a temperamental begin, losing key wickets rapidly. Naren Saud, who had fair returned from the ACC U-19 Asia cup in the UAE, conveyed a match-winning execution with figures of 5/19 from 3.5 overs. His extraordinary spell included four wickets in fair 11 balls. Abinash Bohara moreover bowled financially, taking 2/12 from three overs, whereas McMullen and Saif Zaib each picked up a wicket.

The Gurkhas were bowled out for 94 in 15.5 overs, with Stephen Eskinazitop scoring with 37 runs from 35 balls, counting five fours and one six. Other donors included Sumit Maharjan (14), Bhim Sharki and Gerhard Erasmus, who each made 10. The rest of the lineup, counting Michael Levitt (5), Shankar Rana (3), and Rashid Khan (2), battled to construct partnerships.

Rashid Khan driven the Gurkhas’ bowling with figures of 2/20 from four overs, whereas Karan KC, Shahab Alam, and Erasmus claimed one wicket each.

Sudurpaschim Royals’ win takes after their amazing 90-run victory over Biratnagar Kings in their opening coordinate, whereas Kathmandu Gurkhas had already secured a three-wicket win against Karnali Yaks in their second match.

source: thekathmandupost.