Sudurpaschim Royals set 154-run target for Pokhara Avengers

KATHMANDU: In the second match on Sunday, Sudurapaschim Royals set a moderate target for Pokhara Avengers in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after losing the toss and being asked to bat first.

Sudurapaschim scored 153 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Aarif Sheikh was the top scorer for Sudurapaschim Royals with 42 runs off 38 balls, including 2 fours and 1 six. Brandon McMullen contributed 23 runs off 16 balls, hitting 1 four and 2 sixes. He was caught by Sagar Dhakal off the bowling of Pokhara captain Kushal Bhurtel.

In the 18.1 over mark, Ishan Pandey retired out after scoring 10 runs off 11 balls, making him the first player in NPL history to be retired out. Scott Kuggeleijn replaced him at the crease.

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee added 20 runs off 16 balls with 1 six before being trapped LBW by Sagar Dhakal. Binod Bhandari scored 14 runs before falling to a delivery from Kushal Bhurtel. Harmit Singh added 13 runs before being dismissed by Michael Leask.

For Pokhara Avengers, captain Kushal Bhurtel took 2 wickets, while Raymon Reifer, Michael Leask, and Sagar Dhakal each claimed 1 wicket.

Sudurapaschim Royals aim to secure a victory in this match to climb to the top of the standings and become the second team to qualify for the playoffs. Janakpur Bolts were the first team to advance to the playoffs.

Earlier in the day, Kathmandu Gurkhas secured a thrilling 1-wicket victory over Biratnagar Kings in the first match of today.