Kathmandu, Nov. 6 -- Sudurpaschim Royals set Karnali Yaks a challenging target of 177 runs in their Nepal Premier League match at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday.

The two-time runners-up, batting first, scored 176 for six in their 20 overs, with Binod Bhandari and Saif Zaib providing a strong start before Karnali's bowlers slowed the scoring.

Tharindu Rathnayake, on 22, and Scott Kuggeleijn, on 13, remained unbeaten at the end of the innings.

Bhandari and Zaib added 68 runs for the opening wicket, raising hopes of a bigger total. Bhandari was run out for 27 off 22 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.

Zaib followed shortly afterwards, bowled by Surya Tamang for 35. He faced 24 deliveries, hitting four fours...