Imran Sheikh scored his first half-century of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) tournament for Biratnagar Kings against Janakpur Bolts at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, helping his side reach 102 for one after 12 overs while batting first. Sheikh reached 50 from 40 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours, before Janakpur's Abhishek Tiwari dismissed him for 56 off 45 deliveries.
Sheikh and Bam build a century stand
Sheikh shared a 100-run partnership for the second wicket with opening batsman Lokesh Bam, who also scored a half-century. Their stand helped Biratnagar establish a strong platform after the Kings were put in to bat following the toss.
The partnership ended when Tiwari removed Sheikh. The Biratnagar batter's final score of 56 included six runs more than the 50 he had reached from 40 balls. His innings featured two sixes and three fours, providing the Kings with a substantial contribution during the middle part of their innings.
Biratnagar set the early pace
At the 12-over mark, Biratnagar had scored 102 runs and lost one wicket. The score reflected a productive start from the top order, with Bam and Sheikh both passing 50 and combining for the century partnership. Sheikh's dismissal was the first wicket loss recorded at that point in the innings.
The match was being played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with Biratnagar batting first after losing the toss. The available score update places the Kings at 102 for one after 12 overs; it does not provide the completed innings total or the result of the match.
For Sheikh, the innings marked his first half-century of the tournament. His 56 and Bam's half-century gave Biratnagar a strong scoring base against Janakpur, while Tiwari's dismissal of Sheikh brought the century stand to an end.
