Biratnagar Kings set 140-run target for Pokhara Avengers

KATHMANDU: Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL): In Thursday’s first match, Biratnagar Kings set a moderate target against Pokhara Avengers.

Winning the toss, Biratnagar opted to bat first and set a target of 140 runs for Pokhara. Biratnagar posted a total of 139 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

For Biratnagar, Scott Edwards was the top scorer, making 45 runs off 35 balls, including 5 fours. He was dismissed by Kushal Bhurtel through an LBW.

Basir Ahmed contributed 21 runs off 20 balls, remaining not out, while Lokesh Bam scored 26 runs. Openers Lokesh and Ryan McLaren made aggressive contributions, with Lokesh hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes off 16 balls. Lokesh was dismissed by Raiman Raiferd through a cut and bold.

Martin Guptill, who had scored a half-century in the previous match, continued his poor form, making only 5 runs off 14 balls before being bowled out by Sagar Dhakal.

In his first-ever bowling spell in the tournament, Dinesh Kharel made an immediate impact by dismissing Naren Bhatta on the first ball of his spell. Bhatta, who made 4 runs, was caught by Sagar Dhakal.

The fourth wicket came in the form of Nicholas Kirtan, who scored 19 runs off 16 balls with 1 six before being caught by Michael Leics off Sagar’s bowling.

Chris Sol was dismissed for 7 runs off 5 balls, including a six.

For Pokhara, Sagar Dhakal and Raiman Raiferd took 2 wickets each, while captain Kushal Bhurtel and Dinesh Kharel took 1 wicket each.

In today’s second match, Kathmandu Gurkhas will face Janakpur Bolts.