KATHMANDU, Feb 22: Mahendranagar United has entered the second qualifier securing a one-run win against Rupandehi Challengers in the eliminator of the Dhangadhi Premier League played at Fapla Cricket Ground, Dhangadhi on Thursday.
The match took an interesting turn after Rupandhehi Challengers lost three wickets for three runs, with just two wickets away from the target, while chasing 116 runs.
With six balls at hand, Abinash Bohara claimed three wickets, securing Mahendranagar’s one-run win against Rupandehi.
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With the win, Mahendranagar will take on Kathmandu Goldens in the second qualifier.
Chasing the target of 116 runs set by Mahendranagar, Rupandehi secured only 114 runs losing nine wickets in 20 overs.
Rupandehi faced a one-run defeat thanks to the poor performance by its middle-order batsmen. Rupandehi’s Babar Hayat and Pradeep Airee notched up equal 28 runs while Binod Bhandari collected 23 runs. In reply, Mahendranagar’s Abinash Bohara took two wickets.
Earlier, electing to bat first after losing the toss, Mahendranagar made 115 runs losing nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
Captain Sharad Veswakar top-scored with 29 runs, Subramanian Anand made 20 runs while Mohammad Naveed contributed 18 runs.
Rupandehi’s Lalit Bhandari took four wickets, Puneet Mehra three while Basant Regmi grabbed two wickets.
The second qualifier match will be held on Friday.
