Sudurpaschim Royals beats Pokhara Avengers by 5-runs
Chasing a target of 154 runs, Pokhara Avengers fell short by 5 runs, getting bowled out for 147 in 19.2 overs.
KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals, led by a remarkable bowling performance from Scott Kuggeleijn, defeated Pokhara Avengers by five runs, boosting their chances of advancing to the Nepal Premier League (NPL) qualifiers.
In the match played on Sunday, Sudurpaschim set a target of 154, with Pokhara falling short by just 5 runs, managing only 148 in 19.4 overs.
With this win, Sudurpaschim accumulated 10 points from 6 games, rising to the top of the standings. They will face Karnali Yaks in their final league match on Tuesday.
Pokhara, on the other hand, ended their campaign with 6 points from 7 games. Janakpur Bulls are in second place with 10 points, while Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali, and Kathmandu Gurkhas all have 8 points.
Kuggeleijn was the standout bowler for Sudurpaschim, taking five wickets in 3.4 overs, conceding just 18 runs, including one maiden over.
Harmit Singh claimed three wickets, and Saif Zaib added one more. Pokhara’s chase was hampered by a poor start, losing openers Dinesh Kharel (15), captain Kushal Bhurtel (0), and Dilip Nath (1) in the powerplay.
Despite this, opener Andreas Gous fought back with a quick 36, hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes, but was dismissed by Saif Zaib. The middle order collapsed further, with Jane Malik scoring 10 before Pokhara found themselves at 69/5 in the 10.1 overs.
A vital 70-run partnership between Reifer and Kiran Thagunna temporarily revived Pokhara’s chase, but Reifer fell for 33, caught at the boundary off Harmit Singh. Soon after, Michael Lisk (5) and Kiran Thagunna (32) were dismissed, leaving Sudurpaschim in control. Sudip Aryal and Bipin Khatri were both dismissed for ducks, sealing the victory for Sudurpaschim.
Earlier, Sudurpaschim had batted first after losing the toss, posting 153/7 in 20 overs. Arif Sheikh top-scored with 42 off 38 balls, including 2 fours and a six.
Brandon McMullen contributed 23 from 16 balls, hitting a four and two sixes. Ishaan Pandey retired hurt on 10, becoming the first player in NPL history to do so.
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee added 20 runs from 16 balls, including a six, while Vinod Bhandari and Harmit Singh chipped in with 14 and 13 runs, respectively.
Pokhara’s bowlers were led by captain Kushal Bhurtel, who took 2 wickets. Raymon Reifer, Michael Lisk, and Sagar Dhakal claimed one wicket each.
Sudurpaschim’s win moves them closer to securing a place in the playoffs, where Janakpur Bolts have already qualified.
In today’s earlier match, Kathmandu Gurkhas edged past Biratnagar Kings by 1 wicket in a thrilling finish.
