KATHMANDU, Feb 26: Irish all-rounder Kevin O’Brien and Nepali franchise cricket team Kathmandu Kings XI have re-confirmed alliance for the upcoming season of Everest Premier League (EPL) scheduled from March 14-28.
Ireland’s first player to score a century in Test matches, O’Brien has become a familiar name in Nepali cricket after featuring for the same franchise in the last edition of EPL two years ago.
O’Brien was Kings XI’s leading bowler with 9 wickets in 7 matches when the franchise lost back to back matches in qualifier and eliminator to get knocked-out of the tournament after finishing second during the group stage. He was among the league’s highest run scorer in 2018. He scored 184 runs in seven matches with 15 boundaries and nine sixes including an unbeaten half-century.
Tigers, Kings XI swap marquee players
The Irish all-rounder expressed his excitement to play in front of one of the most passionate cricket crowds in the world in an official video released by Kings XI in social media.
The 35-year-old has been an integral member of the Irish Cricket team since 2006 and has represented Ireland in 7 ICC Cricket World events.
“Kevin O’Brien is world class player and his leadership qualities on and off the field makes him an integral part of the team. Kevin is super excited to come back to play for Kathmandu Kings XI,” stated Raj Jung Thapa, the chief executive officer of Kings XI in an official press release on Tuesday.
O’Brien’s knock in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 against England is still the fastest century in the world cup. Entering the fray with his team 106-4 - and soon 111-5 - in pursuit of England's 327, he hit six huge sixes in a 50-ball century - the fastest in World Cup history - to set up a historic three-wicket win. It was the highest successful run chase in World Cup history and imbued new urgency into Ireland's claims for greater opportunities against Test-playing sides.
