Warner, Sahil Patel put on century stand as Kathmandu set Lumbini 161-run target

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. Abhishek struck again in the next over, bowling William Bosisto as he attempted a reverse sweep.

Rashid Khan managed only one run. Abhishek, Sher and Ruben Trumpelmann took two wickets each for Lumbini.