Sudurpashchim Royals beat Pokhara Avengers by 18 runs (photos)

KATHMANDU: Sudurpashchim Royals clinched their second victory of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2, defeating Pokhara Avengers by 18 runs in an exciting clash at Kirtipur on Friday.

Batting first, the Royals posted a formidable 194/7, powered by aggressive knocks from their top order. Opener Josh Brown smashed 68 off 35 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes, while Binod Bhandari contributed 43 runs, anchoring the innings.

The pair added a solid 108-run opening stand, giving Sudurpashchim a commanding start.

Chris Lynn further boosted the total with a brisk 31 off 13 balls before Pokhara’s bowlers staged a late comeback.

Jimmy Neesham led with 3 wickets, while Dan Douthwaite and Aakash Chand picked up two each.

In reply, Pokhara Avengers managed 175/8 in their full 20 overs. Captain Kushal Bhurtel top-scored with a fighting 53 off 32, stabilizing the innings after an early collapse where Pokhara lost three wickets inside the fifth over.

Neesham and Bhurtel added a vital 75-run stand, but Sudurpashchim skipper Dipendra Singh Airee turned the game by bowling out Neesham just after being hit for two consecutive sixes.

Neesham’s 47 off 25 (5 sixes, 2 fours) kept Pokhara in the hunt, while Douthwaite’s late 37 off 16 brought hope, but the chase fell short.

For Sudurpashchim, Harmit Singh claimed two wickets, while Airee, Scott Kuggeleijn, Hemanta Dhami, Avinash Bohara, and Naren Saud picked up one each, keeping consistent pressure throughout.

Pokhara’s coach Rajiv Kumar, reacting to the team’s second straight defeat, said the side lacked execution despite having quality bowlers.

He praised captain Bhurtel, calling him capable of performing anywhere in the world, and stressed that early wickets in the powerplay created undue pressure.

Coach Kumar remains optimistic, noting that five league matches still remain and the team can still stage a comeback with improved communication and execution.

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