KIRTIPUR, November 1, 2026: Andre Russell delivered a match winning all round performance to guide Biratnagar Kings to a 35 run victory over Sudurpaschim Royals in the eighth match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on October 31.
Russell was named Player of the Match after scoring an explosive 29 off just 10 balls and taking 1/8 in his two overs. His contribution with both bat and ball proved crucial in Biratnagar's first victory of the season.
The rain affected match was reduced to five overs per side after a lengthy delay. Sudurpaschim Royals won the toss and elected to bowl, but Biratnagar's batters made full use of the shortened contest, posting 105/2 at a remarkable run rate of 21 runs per over.
Russell Powers Biratnagar Past 100
Shehan Jayasuriya and Lokesh Bam provided Biratnagar with an explosive start, adding 68 runs in just 17 balls for the opening wicket. Jayasuriya smashed 39 off 11 deliveries, including five sixes and two fours, before his dismissal. Lokesh Bam also played an important role in maintaining the scoring momentum.
Russell then took charge, smashing 29 runs from 10 balls with two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 290.00. His partnership with Bam added another 37 runs from 14 deliveries, pushing Biratnagar beyond the 100-run mark.
The Kings finished on 105/2, leaving Sudurpaschim with a challenging target of 106.
Russell's Bowling Restricts the Royals
Russell continued his impressive performance with the ball, conceding just eight runs in two overs and taking one wicket at an economy rate of 4.00. Despite Scott Kuggeleijn's explosive unbeaten 28 off just six deliveries, Sudurpaschim Royals could manage only 70/3 in their allotted five overs.
Biratnagar's bowlers kept the scoring under control, securing a comfortable 35-run victory.
Russell's All-Round Impact Makes the Difference
Russell's performance stood out in both innings. His 29 runs from 10 balls helped Biratnagar cross the 100-run mark, while his economical two-over spell restricted Sudurpaschim's scoring opportunities. An interesting statistic from the match highlights his impact: Russell conceded only eight runs in his two overs, while the other three overs of Sudurpaschim's innings cost 62 runs.
The all-round display earned Russell the Player of the Match award and helped Biratnagar Kings open their winning account in NPL 2026.
Biratnagar Kings vs Sudurpaschim Royals: Match Summary
- Match: 8th Match, Nepal Premier League 2026
- Date: October 31, 2026
- Venue: Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
- Biratnagar Kings: 105/2 (5 overs)
- Sudurpaschim Royals: 70/3 (5 overs)
- Result: Biratnagar Kings won by 35 runs
- Player of the Match: Andre Russell
- Russell's batting: 29 (10 balls), 2 fours, 3 sixes
- Russell's bowling: 1/8 (2 overs)