Biratnagar Kings produced a powerful batting display to defeat Sudurpaschim Royals by 35 runs in a rain-shortened five-over contest during the eighth match of Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 at Kirtipur on Saturday.
Asked to bat first, Biratnagar came out firing from the very beginning. Shehan Jayasuriya set the tone with a blistering 39 off just 11 balls, including five sixes and two fours. Lokesh Bam continued the assault, scoring 25 off 10 deliveries with three sixes.
Andre Russell then added more firepower, finishing unbeaten on 29 off just 10 balls as Biratnagar piled up a remarkable 105/2 in five overs, scoring at an extraordinary run rate of 21 runs per over.
Sudurpaschim Royals needed 106 from their five overs but suffered an early setback when Sherfane Rutherford was dismissed on the very first ball. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee also fell cheaply, leaving the Royals under immediate pressure.
Saif Zaib scored 17 off 10 balls, while Aarif Sheikh remained unbeaten on 17 off eight deliveries. Scott Kuggeleijn provided some late fireworks with an unbeaten 28 off just six balls, including four sixes, but the target proved too steep.
For Biratnagar, Andre Russell, Angelo Mathews and Rupesh Singh picked up one wicket each to restrict Sudurpaschim to 70/3 in five overs.
The 35-run victory gave Biratnagar Kings two valuable points, with Russell making an impact with both bat and ball.
Match Summary
- Biratnagar Kings: 105/2 (5 overs)
- Sudurpaschim Royals: 70/3 (5 overs)
- Result: Biratnagar Kings won by 35 runs
- Top performers: Shehan Jayasuriya (39 off 11), Andre Russell (29* off 10 and 1 wicket), Scott Kuggeleijn (28* off 6)
Biratnagar’s explosive batting proved the difference in a match where every over—and almost every ball—counted.
