Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings climbed to the top of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) table with a narrow two-run win over Janakpur Bolts at the TU International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Batting first in Match No. 12, Biratnagar scored 174 for the loss of three wickets. Chasing 175, Biratnagar could make only 172 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
Although opener Sehahan Jayasuriya fell for one in the second over, Lokesh Bam and Imran Sheikh added 107 runs for the second wicket. Bam scored 50 off 40 balls, while Sheikh made 56 from 45 balls. Andre Russel made a quickfire 52 off 29 balls. Russell clubbed two fours and five towering sixes in his unbeaten knock. Shubham Ranjane remained not out at seven.
Abhishek Tiwari claimed two wickets for Janakpur, while Moeen Ali chipped in with a wicket.
In the chase, Janakpur lost their openers Trit Raj Dash (6) and Moeen Ali (10) cheaply. However, Saif Hassan scored 71 off 48 balls to keep Janakpur in the hunt. He found support from Bishal Shusling, who made 43 off 30 balls. James Neesham, who scored 27 off 15 balls, kept Janakpur in the game with a composed knock. His dismissal on the last ball of the 19th over tilted the match in Biratnagar’s favor.
Janakpur needed two off the final ball bowled by Russell to level the score and three to win the match. However, Saif Hassan skied the ball, which was caught by Basir Ahamad.
Andre Russell claimed four wickets for Biratnagar, while Angelo Mathews picked up two and Rupesh Singh chipped in with a wicket.
