All-round Basir Ahamad stars as Biratnagar beat Chitwan

An unbeaten 68 off 44 balls from Basir Ahamad was just what Biratnagar Kings needed to pile up in the first innings of the 23rd match of the Nepal Premier League.

The Biratnagar Kings then secured a commanding 51-run victory over the Chitwan Rhinos at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday.

Opting to bat first, Biratnagar amassed 181 for 5 in their 20 overs. Opener Martin Guptill provided a solid foundation with a 35-ball 45, including four boundaries and a six.

The innings was propelled by a remarkable unbeaten half-century from Basir Ahamad, featuring four fours and three sixes. He was well-supported by Rajesh Pulami, who contributed a quickfire 33 not out off 20 deliveries.

Chitwan's bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Rijan Dhakal being the most successful, taking 2 wickets for 40 runs.

Chasing a daunting target of 182, Chitwan's innings faltered early.

Opener Santosh Karki scored 28 off 25 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Kushal Malla managed 25 off 25, and Amar Routela added 42 off 29, but their efforts were insufficient as Chitwan could only reach 130 for 6 in their allotted overs.

Biratnagar's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Chris Sole each taking two wickets.