Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sudurpashchim Royals secured its second victory in as many games in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Kathmandu Gurkhas by 73 runs at the TU International Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Batting first, Sudurpashchim posted 167 for the loss of 6 wickets, with Brandon McMullen smashing a quick 53 off 36 balls. In response, Kathmandu Gurkhas were bowled out for 94 in 15.5 overs, as Naren Saud delivered a match-winning spell, taking five wickets for just 19 runs.
Despite losing opener Saif Zaib early, Binod Bhandari (35 off 28) and McMullen steadied the innings for Sudurpashchim with aggressive batting. Dipendra Singh Airee added momentum with a blistering 43 off 25 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.
Kathmandu’s bowlers struggled, with Rashid Khan taking two wickets, while Karan KC, Shahab Alam, and Gerhard Erasmus picked up one each.
Chasing 168, Kathmandu lost both openers cheaply. Stephen Eskinazi tried to anchor the innings with 37 off 33 balls. Sumit Maharjan added 14 runs, while Bhim Sharki and Gerhard Erasmus contributed 10 runs each. The rest of the Kathmandu batters failed to reach double digits.
Along with Naren Saud’s five-wicket haul, Abinash Bohara took two wickets for Sudurpashchim, while Brandon McMullen and Saif Zaib chipped in with one wicket each.
Two games will be played in NPL on Friday. Karnali Yaks takes on Chitwan Rhinos in the first match, while Lumbii Lions meet Pokhara Avengers in the second match.
