Kathmandu - Bharatpur Metropolitan City defeated Biratnagar Metropolitan City by seven runs in the PL Singh Memorial T20 Cup at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Friday.
Biratnagar won the toss and elected to field first. Bharatpur were bowled out for 145 in 19.5 overs, with Pratik Shrestha top-scoring with 36 off 22 balls. Shubh Kansakar added 30 off 35 balls, while Pawan Thapa made 26 and Roshan Jha struck 22 off 15 deliveries.
For Biratnagar, Bipin Mahato produced the best bowling figures, taking 4/20 in 3.5 overs. Pratik Pokharel also impressed with the ball, returning 2/21 from his four overs, while Krish Sharma picked up one wicket.
Chasing 146, Biratnagar stayed in the contest through Pratik Pokharel’s unbeaten 48 off 24 balls. Kritik Kamat scored 29 off 21 deliveries and Sujan Thapaliya added 21 off 22, but Biratnagar eventually fell seven runs short.
Shubh Kansakar led Bharatpur's bowling response with three wickets after his important contribution with the bat. Pratik Shrestha and Subash Khatri picked up two wickets each, while Gautam KC also claimed one.
Kansakar was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance as Bharatpur held their nerve in a close finish.
