KATHMANDU: Opener of the Sudurpaschim Royals Binod Bhandari has hit a half century in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

He completed a half century with three sixes and four boundaries off 37 balls in the match against Lumbini Lions underway in the Kirtipur-based TU International Cricket Ground today.

This is Bhandari’s first half century in this season. With this, he has become the ninth player to hit half century in the ongoing tournament.

Earlier, Ravi Bopara of Chitwan Rhinos hit three half centuries, and Kushal Bhurtel of Pokhara Avengers made two half centuries.

Along with Bopara and Bhurtel, Josh Brown and Harmit Singh of Sudurpaschim, Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptil of Biratnagar Kings, Priyank Panchal of Karnali Yaks and Aasif Sheikh of Janakpur Bolts were included in the list of players striking half century.

Mark Watt of Karnali is the only cricketer making century in the ongoing NPL tournament.