Kathmandu Gurkhas strengthens playoff chances by defeating Pokhara Avengers

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gurkhas boosted their chances of qualifying for the Nepal Premier League (NPL) playoffs with a comfortable 6-wicket victory over Pokhara Avengers on Saturday.

Chasing a modest target of 139 runs set by Pokhara, Kathmandu completed the chase in 14.1 overs, losing 4 wickets.

Opener Stephan Eskinazi top-scored for Kathmandu with 60 runs, hitting 10 boundaries off 34 balls. He reached his first half-century of the tournament in just 28 balls before being bowled out by Bipin Khatri.

Partner Michael Levitt also contributed, scoring 32 runs from 18 balls with 6 fours and 1 six, before being dismissed by Khatri, caught by wicketkeeper Andres Gaus. Bhim Sarki added 22 runs from 20 balls before being dismissed by Michael Lisk.

Jehard Erasmus remained not out at 25 runs from 10 balls. For Pokhara, Bipin Khatri claimed 3 wickets, and Michael Lisk took 1.

Earlier, Pokhara, after losing the toss and being asked to bat, posted a moderate total of 138/8 in 20 overs. Raymond Refier top-scored for Pokhara, remaining not out at 41 runs off 30 balls, including 1 four and 3 sixes.

Dinesh Kharel contributed 38 runs from 25 balls with 6 fours and 1 six, before being dismissed lbw by Rashid Khan when the score was 44. Dilip Nath, who hit 2 sixes in his 24-ball 27, was bowled by Rashid.

Andres Gaus was dismissed without scoring, caught by Michael Levitt off the bowling of Erasmus. Captain Kusal Bhurtel made 7 runs before being bowled out by Rashid. In his NPL debut, Indian domestic player Akshat Gomil scored 8 runs before being dismissed lbw by Levitt.

Captain Karan KC took control in the 17th over, dismissing Michael Lisk and Narayan Joshi, further asserting Kathmandu’s dominance. In the 19th over, Karan dismissed Bipin Khatri for 4 runs.

Rashid Khan and Karan KC each claimed 3 wickets, while Jehard Erasmus and Michael Levitt took 1 wicket apiece.

With this victory, Kathmandu’s playoff hopes are stronger, and they will face off against Biratnagar Kings in their final match on Sunday.

Despite the loss, Pokhara still has a mathematical chance of advancing to the playoffs, with their final match also on Sunday against Sudurpashchim Royals.

In the same match, Janakpur Bulls will take on Chitwan Rhinos.