Andre Russell struck an unbeaten half-century to lift Biratnagar Kings to 174 for three against Janakpur Bolts in the 12th match of the Nepal Premier League at the TU International Cricket Ground on Tuesday .
Sent in to bat after Janakpur elected to field, Biratnagar recovered from an early setback through a 107-run partnership between Lokesh Bam and Imran Sheikh before Russell provided the late impetus .
Russell made 52 not out off 29 deliveries, hitting two fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 179.31 . His aggressive finish helped Biratnagar score 62 runs in the final five overs, at a run rate of 12.40 .
Bam scored 50 off 40 balls, with three fours and three sixes , while Sheikh contributed 56 off 45 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes .
Biratnagar had an early scare when Shehan Jayasuriya departed for one in the first over.
But Bam and Sheikh steadied the innings, taking the team to 46 for one at the end of the powerplay and 81 for one at the halfway mark .
The pair brought up their 100-run partnership in 69 balls, with Sheikh reaching his half-century off 40 deliveries . Their stand ended in the 14th over when Sheikh was caught behind by Anil Sah off Abhisekh Tiwari for 56, leaving Biratnagar at 109 for two .
Bam continued to anchor the innings but fell for 50 at the end of the 18th over, caught by Lalit Rajbanshi off Tiwari . The dismissal left Biratnagar at 146 for three .
Russell then took charge, helping the Kings finish strongly alongside Shubham Ranjane, who remained unbeaten on seven off five balls .
For Janakpur, Tiwari was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 38 runs from his four overs . Moeen Ali claimed the other wicket, conceding 13 runs in two overs . Lalit Rajbanshi went wicketless for 30 runs in four overs .
