Biratnagar Kings ease past Kathmandu Gorkhas to claim second win of the season

Biratnagar Kings continued their impressive start to the Nepal Premier League 2025 with a composed five-wicket win over Kathmandu Gorkhas in Match 8 at the TU International Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Chasing 135, the Kings reached the target in 17.1 overs, showcasing disciplined batting, a solid top-order foundation, and a calm finish under pressure.

Earlier, Kathmandu Gorkhas were restricted to 134 for 6 after being asked to bat first. The innings started shakily as Aakash Tripathi and Ricardo Vasconcelos departed cheaply, leaving Kathmandu at 2 for 7 inside three overs. Ben Charlesworth held the innings together with a patient 32 off 33 balls, stitching small but crucial partnerships in the middle order. Mohammad Aadil Alam provided a late surge with an unbeaten 48 from 25 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes to lift the Gorkhas to a respectable total. Santosh Yadav's attacking 26 off 24 balls also helped revive the innings after a sluggish start.

Biratnagar's bowlers were disciplined throughout the innings, preventing Kathmandu from building any significant momentum. Marchant de Lange stood out with figures of 2 for 17 from his four overs, striking early and again during a critical phase to break partnerships. Surya Tamang removed Charlesworth at an important time, while Sandeep Lamichhane and Shubham Ranjane contributed with crucial wickets to restrict the run flow. Despite Aadil Alam’s late hitting, Kathmandu’s total fell short of what was required on a good batting surface.

In reply, Biratnagar Kings began strongly as George Munsey and Martin Guptill set the tone with an attacking opening stand. Munsey struck a rapid 36 off 16 balls, hammering five fours and two sixes before falling to Shahab Alam. Guptill followed soon after for 25, but his start ensured the Kings stayed well ahead of the required rate. Basir Ahamad and Naren Bhatta chipped in with valuable runs in the middle overs before both fell in quick succession to Santosh Yadav's disciplined spell.

With 35 runs needed from the last seven overs, Shubham Ranjane and Sandeep Lamichhane finished the chase calmly. Ranjane’s unbeaten 10 and Lamichhane’s composed 9* ensured Biratnagar crossed the line with 17 balls remaining, never allowing pressure to build in the closing stages.

Marchant de Lange was named Player of the Match for his disciplined opening spell and impactful wickets, which set the tone for Biratnagar's controlled chase. The Kings' victory strengthens their position near the top of the table, while Kathmandu Gorkhas will be left searching for answers after another inconsistent batting performance.