Pokhara Avengers set 151-run target for Lumbini Lions (photos)

KATHMANDU: In the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Pokhara Avengers posted a challenging total of 150/5 in 20 overs, setting Lumbini Lions a target of 151 runs.

After winning the toss, Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel chose to bowl first.

Pokhara got off to a shaky start, scoring only 38 runs in the first 10 overs while losing 4 wickets.

Opener Dinesh Kharel was caught out for 7, while one-down batter Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for a golden duck—his second consecutive golden duck in the tournament.

Sumit Burma also fell without opening his account, and Tritharaj Das was out for 1.

The innings was rescued by Jimmy Neesham and Adam Rossington, who shared a crucial 92-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Rossington played a brilliant knock of 81 runs off 63 balls, including 7 fours and 5 sixes, before being caught by Sher Malla.

Neesham remained unbeaten on 51 off 32 balls, hitting 3 fours and 3 sixes.

In bowling, Sher Malla and Tilak Bhandari picked up 2 wickets each, conceding 23 and 25 runs respectively in their 4-over spells.

This is Pokhara’s fourth game of the tournament; they have won 1 and lost 2 so far. Lumbini, meanwhile, are struggling with just 1 win in 5 games.

Both teams are under pressure, as a win is crucial for Pokhara to stay in contention, while Lumbini’s playoff hopes remain mathematically alive but fragile.

In the Sudurpaschim League, the only unbeaten team is Sudurpaschim Royals, who top the table with 8 points from 4 wins. Biratnagar follows in second place with 8 points from 5 games.

Later today, the second match of the day will feature last edition’s finalists, Sudurpaschim Royals, facing Janakpur Bolts.

Janakpur, yet to open their points account, are languishing at the bottom of the table, a stark contrast to their previous campaign.

Pokhara Avengers:

Lumbini Lions:

Photos: