Kathmandu, November 6
Sudurpaschim Royals secured a 39-run victory over Karnali Yaks in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), overcoming a stunning unbeaten century from David Miller.
Batting first, Sudurpaschim posted 176/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with contributions from several batters helping them build a competitive total.
Saif Zaib top-scored with 35 off 24 balls, hitting four fours and a six, while Binod Bhandari added 27 off 22 deliveries. Brandon McMullen contributed 24 off 16 balls.
Ishan Pandey provided late momentum with 23 off just 13 deliveries, including three sixes, while Tharindu Ratnayake remained unbeaten on 22 off 12 balls. Scott Kuggeleijn also chipped in with an unbeaten 13 off six deliveries.
For Karnali, Mark Watt was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 27 runs. Nandan Yadav, Surya Tamang, Hussain Talat and Pawan Sarraf picked up one wicket each.
In reply, Karnali struggled from the outset, losing two wickets without reaching 20 runs. Deepak Dumre briefly offered resistance with 18 off 12 balls, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Miller kept Karnali in the contest with a magnificent unbeaten 93 off 55 balls, striking five fours and seven sixes. However, he received little support from the other end as Karnali finished on 137/7 in their 20 overs.
Pawan Sarraf scored five, while captain Sompal Kami managed eight. No other batter crossed the 20-run mark.
Kuggeleijn led the Royals’ bowling attack with two wickets for 39 runs. Hemant Dhami, Anil Kharel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Ratnayake and Abinash Bohara claimed one wicket each.
Despite Miller’s valiant effort, Karnali fell 39 runs short of the target as Sudurpaschim registered a convincing victory.
