Defending champion Region No 1 Biratnagar looked determined to defend their Birendra Memorial National League title when they registered second comprehensive wins at the TU Cricket Ground thrashing Region No 2 Birgunj today by six wickets.
Leg-spinner Raj Kumar Pradhan was the hero of the day taking four wickets to join Raju Basnet as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and then scoring 22 not out during his team’s run-chase. After bowling out Birgunj, who are now out of contest with three defeats in four matches, for mere 128 runs in 27.4 overs, Biratnagar completed the chase in 26.4 overs losing four wickets.
Raj Kumar Pradhan receiving man of the match award from Tarak Mani Dixit. Photo: Deepak Gaule
At 27/2, it looked like Biratnagar had to fight for the victory but half-century partnership between captain Dipendra Chaudhary and Yunil Shrestha put their hands on top. Openers Mehboob Alam and Yashwant Subedi both went for 8.
Dipendra, in his comeback efforts to the national team, scored 30 before being adjudged lbw off Sanjam Regmi while Yunil was bowled by Sashi Keshari after making 35. Sudhakar Ghale remained unbeaten on 12 with Raj Kumar who played 30 balls and hit three fours.
Earlier, Birgunj made a steady start after being invited to bat first. They lost Pratap Maharjan (9) at 27 and last five wickets in addition of 21 runs. All credit for Birgunj’s total went to young opener Kaniska Chaugai, who scored 55 off 49 balls with five fours and a six. He ensured his team surpass 100.
Besides Kaniska, Sanjay Womjam (16) and Sanjam (14) were top contributor for Birgunj as Lakpa Lama and Mehboob ended up with two wickets each.