Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gorkhas climbed to second in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) standings with a nine-wicket humbling of Biratnagar Kings at the TU International Cricket Stadium on Thursday evening.
Batting first, Biratnagar folded for 83 runs as their famed batting order collapsed miserably. Kathmandu Gorkhas chased down the target with nine wickets and 62 balls remaining.
Biratnagar, who came into the match with two straight wins against Sudurpashim Royals and Janakpur Bolts, lost seven wickets with just 35 runs on board within 10 overs. Their top three batters failed to reach double digits. Shehan Jayasuriya fell for five, Lokesh Bam made six and Imran Sheikh was out for a duck. Basir Ahamad (10), Angelo Mathews (22) and Rupesh Singh (27) were the only Biratnagar batters who reached double digits.
Santosh Yadav claimed three wickets for Kathmandu, while Captain Karan KC and debutant Sahan Arachchige picked up two each, and Jahandad Khan, Shahab Alam and Dev Shah chipped in with a wicket each.
Kathmandu added 17 runs in 2.3 overs in the chase of a low total of 83. Although Sahil Patel (10) fell in the third over, David Warner continued to score briskly. He scored an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls to take Kathmandu to the finishing line. He found support from compatriot William Bosisto who remained not out at 23 off 24 balls.
Aprajit Poudel took the only wicket for Biratnagar Kings.
After the defeat, Biratnagar dropped to fifth on the table with four points from five matches.
Lumbini Lions top the table with seven points from four matches and are almost certain to make it to the playoffs. Kathmandu, Karnali Yaks, Janakpur Bolts, Biratnagar Kings and Sudurpashim Royals all have four points, while Chitwan Rhinos have three points from three matches.
Pokhara Avengers are at the bottom of the table and are without a point after three matches.
