Dhammika Prasad: "If we can’t cross 100 with this batting, something is wrong"

Biratnagar Kings coach Dhammika Prasad delivered a frank assessment after his side's 40-run defeat to Lumbini Lions in Qualifier 2, admitting that repeated top-order failures and poor adaptation to conditions cost them a place in the NPL 2025 final.

Prasad revealed that Biratnagar's strategy was shaped by what they had seen in the previous match. The team expected the side batting first to struggle again and therefore chose to bowl after winning the toss. "We thought if we could keep them under 120 it would be very chaseable," he explained. "But we didn't read the wicket properly. Yesterday something happened, today it behaved differently, and as a team we didn't play well."

He accepted that, despite the slow and tired Kirtipur surface, the chase of 135 was "still gettable" once the bowlers had pulled things back after Lumbini's strong first ten overs. "Our bowlers came back really well and 134 was a score we should chase," Prasad said. "But once you lose three wickets in the powerplay it becomes very hard. It happened in the last match, it happened again today."

The coach was particularly critical of a batting line-up packed with marquee names that once again failed to deliver under pressure. "When you have this kind of batters and still can't cross 100, something is wrong," he admitted. While acknowledging that international cricket usually offers better pitches than they encountered in this tournament, he insisted conditions could not be used as an excuse. "Whatever conditions we get, we have to adapt and play. We can't expect true wickets here because most games are on the same ground, but even if the wicket is not good we still have to bat well. The senior guys have to put their hands up."

Prasad was also quick to praise the ground staff for keeping the tournament running on a single venue, even as he urged organisers to prepare a truer surface for the title clash. He argued that the final should not be reduced to a toss lottery. "We need a very good wicket for the finals," he said. "Whether you win or lose the toss shouldn't matter – the team that plays better on the day should get the benefit."

The former Sri Lanka seamer also spoke about the absence of a key member of the coaching staff, who has been tied up with commitments in the USA but remained in close contact with the group. Prasad said the team "definitely missed him" and hoped to see him back with the squad next time.

Looking ahead to the final between Sudurpaschim Royals and Lumbini Lions, Prasad believes the Royals hold a slight edge but wished both sides well. He ended by thanking supporters for their backing throughout the tournament. "All the Nepali supporters and cricket lovers have been amazing," he said. "Without them we are not here; they are the ones who encourage everyone to come and play."