Russell's bat and ball lift Biratnagar Kings past Janakpur Bolts by two runs in NPL

Biratnagar Kings beat Janakpur Bolts by two runs in a Nepal Premier League match, Onlinekhabar English reported. According to Republica, the match was played at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday, and Janakpur won the toss and elected to field.

Republica said Biratnagar posted 174 for three in their allotted 20 overs, with Lokesh Bam scoring 50, Imran Sheikh 56 and Andre Russell finishing unbeaten on 52. For Janakpur, Abhishek Tiwari took two wickets and Moeen Ali one, according to Republica.

In reply, Janakpur finished on 172/7, just short of the 175-run target, according to Onlinekhabar English. The outlet said Janakpur lost three wickets for just 30 runs early on, and that Saif Hassan led the chase with 71 off 48 balls. James Neesham made 27 off 15 balls, including three sixes, it reported.

With the ball, Russell took four wickets for 45 runs in his four overs and Angelo Mathews took two for 25, Onlinekhabar English reported. The outlet said Russell's unbeaten half-century and four-wicket haul proved decisive.