Jayasuriya and Russell give Biratnagar a 35-run win over Sudurpaschim in a five-over game

Rain hit Saturday's double-header at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The first game was lost, and the second was cut to five overs a side, with Biratnagar Kings beating Sudurpaschim Royals by 35 runs for their first win of the season.

Chitwan v Lumbini washed out

Match 7, Chitwan Rhinos v Lumbini Lions, was called off without a ball bowled. Rain had left water on the outfield and the toss couldn't take place. There's no reserve day, so the two teams, both winners in their first game, get a point each.

A late start

The ground took a long time to dry. Biratnagar captain Sandeep Lamichhane went out for the toss, but Sudurpaschim's players didn't, because the outfield was still damp, and it was more than an hour before they were ready to play. No official explanation was given for the delay. "When the match referee says to play, both teams should play," Lamichhane said afterwards.

Five overs each

Sudurpaschim won the toss and chose to field. Shehan Jayasuriya made 39 off 11 balls, and one over from Tharindu Ratnayake, on his NPL debut, went for 35, with five sixes from Jayasuriya. Lokesh Bam made 25 off 10 and Andre Russell 29 not out off 10, and Biratnagar finished on 105 for 2. Abinash Bohara took both wickets, for 28 from his two overs.

Russell bowled Sherfane Rutherford with the first ball of the chase, and Angelo Mathews got captain Dipendra Singh Airee in the second over, leaving Sudurpaschim on 7 for 2. Saif Zaib made 17 off 10 before Rupesh Singh got him, and Scott Kuggeleijn (28 not out off six) and Aarif Sheikh (17 not out) hit some late sixes, but Sudurpaschim finished on 70 for 3.

Russell took one for 8 from his two overs and was player of the match. "I am happy with the two points today," he said. Biratnagar had lost their first two games.

The scorecard and the points table are on the match page.