Kathmandu. Biratnagar Kings defeated Janakpur Bolts by 2 runs in the first match of the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) today. Chasing the target of 175 runs, Janakpur could only score 172 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs.

Saif Hussain scored 71 runs and Bishal Susling contributed 43 runs, but the team could not win. Andre Russell took 4 wickets for Biratnagar.

Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Biratnagar made 174 runs in 20 overs at the loss of three wickets.

Lokesh Bam, Imran Sheikh and Andre Russell scored half-centuries. Imran scored 56 runs, Russell scored 52 runs and Bam scored 50 runs. Sheikh and Bam also shared the highest partnership of the tournament with 107 runs. Abhinesh Tiwari took 2 wickets and Moeen Ali took 1 wicket for Biratnagar.

Biratnagar, which has won two out of four matches, has climbed to the top position. Janakpur is in the third position.