In their third match in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), the Biratnagar Kings claimed their first victory by defeating Lumbini Lions by two wickets at Tribhuvan Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Wednesday. Lumbini faced defeat in their opening match.

Chasing a formidable target of 192 runs set by Lumbini, Biratnagar overcame a tough challenge, securing victory with just one ball to spare and suffering eight wickets in the process. Opener Lokesh Bam spearheaded the chase, scoring an impressive 71 runs off 47 balls, which included 3 fours and 5 sixes before being dismissed.

Martin Guptill and Basir Ahmed contributed 28 and 40 runs, respectively, but Lumbini’s bowling attack, led by Durgesh Gupta, was impressive. Gupta took three crucial wickets, while Saad Bin Zafar and Ramon Simmonds claimed two wickets each, and Bibek Yadav took one.

Earlier, opting to field after winning the toss, Biratnagar watched as Lumbini posted an impressive total of 191/7 in their 20 overs. This score was the highest set by any team in the tournament so far, surpassing the 182-run target set by Sudurpashchim against Biratnagar in an earlier match.

Captain Rohit Paudel’s innings was the highlight for Lumbini, as he scored 46 runs off 29 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes before being caught by Pratish GC off Rajesh Pulami's delivery. Tom Moores contributed a brisk 30 runs from 17 balls but was run out. Lumbini's batting was further disrupted by multiple run-outs, with four of their players dismissed in that manner.

Biratnagar’s bowling line-up, including captain Sandeep Lamichhane, Ismat Alam, and Rajesh Pulami, took one wicket each, playing an essential role in restricting Lumbini’s score.

This victory is a significant morale booster for Biratnagar, who had lost both the matches they played earlier, while Lumbini faces pressure to bounce back in their next matches.