Karnali’s playoff hopes end (photos)

KATHMANDU: Adam Rossington’s unbeaten century powered Pokhara Avengers to a crucial 34-run victory over Karnali Yaks in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Tuesday, keeping their playoff hopes intact.

Batting first after losing the toss at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Pokhara posted a commanding 201/2 in 20 overs.

Rossington smashed an unbeaten 108 off 58 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes, becoming only the third player in NPL history to score a century—all three by foreign players.

Pokhara also became the second team this season to cross the 200-run mark, after Biratnagar Kings’ 220 against the same side.

Chasing 202, Karnali managed only 167 in 19 overs, despite Mark Watt’s aggressive 59 off 34 balls. With this defeat, Karnali became the first team to drop out of playoff contention, having lost 5 of their 6 matches.

Pokhara, meanwhile, registered their second win in five games and must win their remaining two fixtures to stay in the playoff race.

Key Performances

Pokhara Avengers

• Adam Rossington: 108* (58 balls, 11 fours, 7 sixes)

• Jason Roy: 46 (34 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes)

• Dhananjay Lakshan: 23* off 11 balls

Rossington and Roy added a massive 127-run stand for the second wicket, setting the platform for Pokhara’s big total.

Karnali Yaks

• Mark Watt: 59 (34 balls, 4 fours, 5 sixes)

• Najibullah Zadran: 24 off 15 balls

• Rishi Dhawan: 3/37

• Dhananjay Lakshan: 3/31

Despite promising starts from Priyank Panchal (16), Pawan Sarraf (19), Gulshan Jha (9), and captain Sompal Kami (13), Karnali’s middle order collapsed under pressure.

Historic Century List in NPL

1. Mark Watt – 114 (vs Lumbini Lions)

2. Andries Gous – 104 (last season)

3. Adam Rossington – 108* (vs Karnali Yaks)

Rossington brought up his century in 55 balls, the second-fastest in NPL history after Watt’s 41-ball ton.

Karnali Yaks:

Pokhara Avengers:

Photos: