David Warner and Sahil Patel shared a century opening partnership as Kathmandu Gorkhas set Lumbini Lions a target of 161 in the Nepal Premier League on Saturday.
Invited to bat after Lumbini captain Rohit Kumar Paudel won the toss at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu made 160-8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Warner and Patel put on 104 runs in 14 overs, the second century opening partnership of the tournament. Earlier, Lokesh Bam and Imran Sheikh of Biratnagar Kings had added 107 for the first wicket against Janakpur Bolts.
Sher Malla gave Lumbini their first breakthrough by dismissing Patel, who scored 38 off 36 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.
Australian batter Warner made 66 off 50 deliveries, reaching his half-century in 33 balls. He struck nine fours and a six before falling to Malla.
Karan KC, promoted to No 3, scored nine off 10 balls before being caught and bowled by Abhishek Gautam.
Abhishek struck again in the next over, bowling William Bosisto as he attempted a reverse sweep. Rashid Khan managed only one run.
Jahandad Khan hit a six but was dismissed for six off three balls.
Mohammad Aadil Alam and Santosh Yadav were run out for one and two respectively.
Sahan Arachchige remained unbeaten on 34 off 15 balls, hitting three fours and a six.
Abhishek, Sher and Ruben Trumpelmann took two wickets each for Lumbini. Abhishek conceded 15 runs in four overs, Sher 19 and Trumpelmann 24 in three overs.
A win would strengthen Lumbini’s hold on the top spot and secure their place in the playoffs. They began the match with seven points from four games.
Kathmandu lost their opening match to Janakpur but then beat Karnali Yaks by four wickets and Biratnagar Kings by nine wickets.
Against Biratnagar, Kathmandu chased down a target of 84 in fewer than 10 overs, giving them a strong net run rate.
Binod Pandey is a sports reporter for the Kantipur Publications.
