Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gurkhas kept its hopes of qualifying for the playoffs of Nepal Premier League (NPL) alive with a one-wicket victory over Biratnagar Kings in its final group stage match at the TU International Cricket Grounds in Kirtipur on Sunday.
With the win, Kathmandu has eight points from seven matches. It can qualify for the playoffs if Karnali Yaks, which also has eight points for a superior net run rate, faces a heavy defeat against Sudurpashchim Royals on Monday. Sudurpaschim, which also has eight points, has two games in hand.
Batting first, Biratnagar Kings scored 117 runs in 19.5 overs. Kathmandu Gurkhas scored 120 runs for the loss of nine wickets with 11 balls remaining.
Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, which still has a game in hand, and Biratnagar Kings are already out of the playoff race. Kathmandu Gurkhas needed to win this fixture by a huge margin to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Biratnagar lost opener Lokesh Bam for just eight runs. Although the other opener Dipak Bohara scored 20 off 24 balls, Biratnagar’s top order failed to click. Nicholas Kirton scored 12, Scott Edwards contributed 15, and Basir Ahamad hit 13 runs. Rajesh Pulami scored 25 off 21 balls. Other Biratnagar batters failed to reach double digits.
Gerhard Erasmus took three wickets for Kathmandu, while Dipesh Kandel claimed two, and Shahab Alam, Karan KC, and Dan Douthwaite got a wicket each.
Kathmandu Gurkhas needed a big win to stay in the playoff race, but its top order crumbled under pressure. Openers Stephen Eskinazi and Michael Levitt scored 1 and 10, respectively. Pratik Shrestha top-scored for Kathmandu with a 34-ball 39. Rashid Khan scored 14, while Shankar Rana and Dipesh Kandel remained not out at 16 and 11 runs, respectively.
Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets for Biratnagar, while Anil Kharel, Basir Ahamad, and Chris Sole claimed two wickets each.
