Pokhara Avengers set 139-run target for Kathmandu Gurkhas

KATHMANDU: In the first match of Saturday’s Nepal Premier League (NPL), Kathmandu Gurkhas were given a moderate target by Pokhara Avengers.

In the ongoing match at the TU Cricket Ground, Kathmandu received a target of 139 runs.

Batting first after losing the toss, Pokhara Avengers scored 138 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

For Pokhara, Ramon Reifer was the top scorer, remaining unbeaten with 41 runs off 30 balls, including 1 four and 3 sixes.

Dinesh Kharel contributed 38 runs off 25 balls with 6 fours and 1 six before being trapped LBW by Rashid Khan at a team score of 44.

Dilip Nath added 27 runs from 24 balls, hitting 2 sixes, before being bowled out by Rashid Khan.

Andries Gous was dismissed without scoring, caught by Michael Levitt off Gerhard Erasmus. Captain Kushal Bhurtel managed only 7 runs before being bowled by Rashid Khan.

Indian domestic player Akharshit Gomil, who made his NPL debut in this match, scored 8 runs before being trapped LBW by Michael Levitt.

In the 17th over, Kathmandu took control of the game as captain Karan KC dismissed Michael Lisk and Narayan Joshi. In the 19th over, Karan also sent Bipin Khatri back to the pavilion for just 4 runs.

For Kathmandu, Rashid Khan and captain Karan KC each took 3 wickets, while Gerhard Erasmus and Michael Levitt grabbed one wicket each.

The winner of this match will significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, though the losing team will still retain a mathematical chance.

In today’s second match, Janakpur Bolts will face Chitwan Rhinos.