KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 6
Pokhara Avengers secured their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament with an emphatic 10-wicket win over the Lumbini Lions at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Chasing a target of 171 runs set by Lumbini, Pokhara reached the target in just 16.5 overs without losing a wicket. The opening pair delivered a stellar performance to seal the triumph.
Andries Gous smashed an unbeaten 104 runs off 55 balls, hitting five sixes and 12 fours. Gous became the first player in the NPL to score a century and achieve the highest individual score. His partner, Dinesh Kharel, contributed an unbeaten 61 runs off 46 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries. Pokhara also benefited from 11 extra runs in the match.
Gous was later adjudged man-of-the-match for his stunning batting performance.
This marks Pokhara's maiden victory in the ongoing tournament, following a heavy 87-run loss to the Chitwan Rhinos in their first game and a seven-wicket defeat against the Janakpur Bolts in their second.
Earlier, Lumbini Lions, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a total of 170 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Rohit Poudel led the charge with an unbeaten 95 runs off 59 balls, including four sixes and 10 fours. Tom Moores contributed 45 runs, while Sundeep Jora added 18. Bibek Yadav managed just two runs, while Aashutosh Ghiraiya and Unmukt Chand fell for ducks. Lumbini also gained 10 extra runs.
In the bowling department, Pokhara's Bipin Khatri took two wickets, and Matt Critchley claimed one.
This defeat marks Lumbini's second loss in the tournament, having earlier suffered a narrow two-wicket defeat against the Biratnagar Kings.
In tomorrow's double-header, the Lumbini Lions will face the Sudurpaschim Royals, followed by the Karnali Yaks taking on the Biratnagar Kings in the second fixture of the day.
