Kirtipur:Sudurpaschim Royals triumphed over Pokhara Avengers by 4 wickets in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament today. The match took place under the lights at the TU International Cricket Stadium, where Sudurpachim successfully chased down the target of 146 runs in just 16.5 overs.
According to National News Agency RSS, Sudurpaschim’s captain, Dipendra Singh Airee, was instrumental in the victory, scoring an impressive half-century with 51 runs off 36 balls, concluding the match with a six against Pokhara’s captain Kushal Bhurtel. Ishan Pandey added 37 runs in 31 balls, while Brandon McMullen contributed 22 runs off 12 balls to the team’s total.
The Pokhara Avengers were restricted to 145 runs in their 20 overs, with key performances from Arjun Gharti, who scored 40 runs, and Mahedi Hasan, who added 32 runs. The Sudurpaschim bowling attack was effective, spearheaded by Anil Kharel who took 3 wickets. Hemant Dhami, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Scott Kuggeleijn each claimed a wicket as well.
For Pokhara, the bowlers Dhananjaya Laxshan, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahedi Hasan each took one wicket in their efforts to challenge Sudurpaschim’s batting lineup. This match marked Sudurpaschim’s first win after their initial loss to Lumbini Lions, while Pokhara faced defeat in their opening game of the tournament.
The tournament will continue tomorrow with two matches at the same venue. Janakpur Bolts are set to play against Kathmandu Gurkhas in the first match, followed by Karnali Yaks taking on Biratnagar Kings in the second match.