Shehan Jayasuriya
Lokesh Bahadur Bam
Imran Sheikh
Basir Ahmad
Angelo Mathews
Narayan Joshi
Karan KC
Jahandad Khan
Shahab Alam
Sahan Arachchige
Santosh Yadav
Sahil Patel
David Warner✱
William Bosisto✱
Andre Russell
Aprajit Poudel
Sandeep Lamichhane
In a nail‑biting finish at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, David Warner's explosive 44 off just 24 balls proved the decisive factor as the Kathmandu Gurkhas edged out the Biratnagar Kings by three runs in the Nepal Premier League 2026 T20 clash.
Match Summary
The toss saw the Gurkhas elect to bowl, hoping to exploit the early‑evening conditions that were partly cloudy with a comfortable 77% humidity. Biratnagar Kings got off to a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually slumping to 83 for 10 in just 18.3 overs. Their top‑order struggled against disciplined bowling from Karan KC (1/17 in 4 overs), Jahandad Khan (2/19 in 3.3 overs) and Shahab Alam (1/13 in 4 overs). The Kings' innings was a tale of missed opportunities, with no batter crossing the 20‑run mark.
Chasing a modest target of 84, the Kathmandu Gurkhas began cautiously but soon accelerated when Warner arrived at the crease. Warner’s 44 came off 24 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes, and shifted the momentum firmly in Gurkhas' favour. William Bosisto contributed a steady 23 off 24, while the lower order added the finishing touches. The Gurkhas sealed the win at 86 for 1 in 9.4 overs, thanks to a disciplined spell from Aprajit Poudel (1/16 in 2 overs) that kept the Kings in check.
Key Performances
David Warner (Kathmandu Gurkhas) – 44 runs off 24 balls, strike rate 183.33, with four fours and three sixes. His aggressive approach dismantled the Kings' death bowling and set the platform for a comfortable chase.
William Bosisto (Kathmandu Gurkhas) – 23 runs off 24 balls, anchoring the innings with a calm hand and rotating the strike efficiently.
Karan KC (Biratnagar Kings) – 1/17 in 4 overs, keeping the run‑rate in check during the early phase.
Jahandad Khan (Biratnagar Kings) – 2/19 in 3.3 overs, picking up crucial wickets but unable to stem the flow of runs.
Shahab Alam (Biratnagar Kings) – 1/13 in 4 overs, delivering tight lines in the middle overs.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived when the Kings lost their third wicket at 31/3, exposing the middle order to pressure. Despite a brief partnership, the wickets kept tumbling, and the scoreboard never recovered. The second decisive moment unfolded in the Gurkhas' chase when Warner struck a six off a length ball from Khan, pushing the required run rate down dramatically. His partnership with Bosisto added 45 runs in just six overs, effectively sealing the match.
Another subtle yet vital factor was the disciplined spell of Aprajit Poudel, who, despite bowling only two overs, kept the Gurkhas' scoring in check during the death overs, ensuring the chase stayed on course.
Series Implications
With this win, Kathmandu Gurkhas level the all‑time head‑to‑head against Biratnagar Kings to 3‑3 in the Nepal Premier League 2026, tightening the race for the top spots. The victory boosts Gurkhas' confidence heading into the next fixtures, especially with Warner in form. For Biratnagar Kings, the loss highlights a need to rebuild their top order and find a reliable finisher. Their bowlers performed admirably, but the batting collapse will be a focal point in the upcoming training sessions.
Looking ahead, both sides have crucial matches that could determine playoff qualifications. The Gurkhas will aim to capitalize on their momentum, while the Kings must regroup quickly to stay in contention. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the Nepal Premier League 2026 progresses, with live scores and updates continuing to draw cricket lovers across the region.
Overall, the match was a showcase of T20 cricket’s unpredictability, where a single explosive innings from a seasoned campaigner like David Warner can turn the tide and deliver a memorable victory for the Kathmandu Gurkhas.