Sensational Performance: Five-Wicket Haul a Day After Returning from Asia Cup!

A day before, bowler Naren Saud of the Sudurpaschim Royals was in the United Arab Emirates, playing in the ACC U19 Asia Cup. Naren and his team returned to the event after Nepal was eliminated in the group stage.

On Thursday, Sudurpaschim was supposed to play their second NPL game against the Kathmandu Gurkhas. It was unclear if Naren would play because he had just returned from the United Arab Emirates the night before. Although many thought he would take a break, the team started him.

In addition to playing, Naren bowled all four overs and put on an incredible display, taking five wickets in his first game. Gerald Erasmus, set batsman Stephen Eskinazi, and aggressive finisher Karan KC were some of his victims.

After Sohail Tanvir's incredible performance against Kathmandu in a previous match, Naren became just the second bowler in NPL history to capture five wickets in an innings. He was named Player of the Match for his outstanding effort.

After the game, the left-arm spinner expressed his confidence by stating that he had expected to be included in the starting lineup. He grinned and remarked, "I was certain I'd play today, and I had even imagined myself winning Player of the Match."

In the sixth over, skipper Dipendra Singh Airee brought Naren into the attack. Dipendra encouraged him and gave him the eighth over, where he hit gold, even though he had already given up two boundaries. Gerald Erasmus had already hit him for a six, trapping him LBW, but Naren removed him.

Stephen Eskinazi, who was posing a threat to Kathmandu, was removed by Naren in the fourteenth over. Rashid Khan was also scalped. He claimed five wickets in the 16th over, dismissing Shahab Alam and Karan KC to give Sudurpaschim a commanding victory.

A New Talent in Cricket in Nepal
Naren is only eighteen, yet he already has a promising future. He has been playing for Sudurpaschim in domestic competitions for some time, but this was his first time in the NPL. Naren participated in the U19 World Cup Qualifier camp after coach Jagat Tamata saw his potential during U16 events.

Coach Tamata commended Naren's skills and perseverance, adding that if he keeps improving, he might be able to play for Nepal's senior squad. "Getting to the senior team is a process, but he has the talent and self-assurance to succeed," Tamata added.

Current Performances
In recent competitions, Naren has continuously impressed. He claimed 16 wickets in seven games in the Naresh Shrestha Memorial U19 competition, including an incredible five-wicket haul against Karnali. He took nine wickets in nine games at the Prime Minister's Cup, demonstrating his strong play.

Naren made significant contributions during the Asia Cup, taking wickets against Sri Lanka and scoring 26 runs in an innings against Afghanistan.

One of Sudurpaschim Naren's key players credited his coach and captain for motivating him to succeed. "Throughout the game, Dipendra dai and Jagat guru continued to inspire me," he remarked.

Thanks to a half-century from Brandon McMullen and significant efforts from Binod Bhandari and Dipendra Singh Airee, Sudurpaschim amassed 167 runs in the match against Kathmandu. Avinash Bohara contributed two wickets and Naren claimed five as Kathmandu was bowled out for just 94 runs in response.

After a five-day break, Kathmanduwill play Lumbini, while Sudurpaschim will now look forward to their next game on Saturday.