KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings have registered their second consecutive win in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Biratnagar defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas by five wickets in the second match played under lights at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur today.

Chasing a modest victory target of 136 runs set by Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar achieved it in 17.1 overs for the loss of five wickets. In the victory, George Munsey contributed the most with 36 runs in 16 balls while Martin Guptill contributed 25 and Naren Bhatta scored 24 runs. Lokesh Bam and Bashir Ahmed scored 14 and 19 runs respectively.

For the bowling side, Shahab Alam took two wickets while Karan KC, Gerhard Erasmus and Santosh Yadav took one wicket each.

Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Kathmandu scored only 135 runs for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Mohammad Adil Alam remained unbeaten on 48 runs while Ben Charlesworth scored 32 and Santosh Yadav scored 26 runs.

For Biratnagar, Marchant de Lange took two wickets, while captain Sandeep Lamichhane, Shubham Ranjane and Surya Tamang took one wicket each. Marchant de Lange was also adjudged the player-of-the-match.

This is the second consecutive win for Biratnagar after defeated Pokhara Avengers in the first match. Kathmandu, who played their third match today, suffered their second straight defeat. Kathmandu had defeated Janakpur Bolts in the inaugural match of the tournament but lost to Sudurpaschim in the second match.

After this win, Biratnagar climbed to second position in the points table, with 4 points in two matches. Sudurpaschim leads the points table, with equal 4 points but a better run rate than Biratnagar. Kathmandu remains in the third position with 2 points.

In the first match held today at the same venue, Karnali Yaks defeated Lumbini Lions by 9 wickets.

The next matches under the franchise-based tournament will now take place on Monday, with Sunday allocated as a rest day. Biratnagar Kings will face Janakpur Bolts in the first match while the second match will be played between Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals.