KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 2
Defending champions Janakpur Bolts secured their first win of the campaign, while Pokhara Avengers thrashed Karnali Yaks in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League matches held today at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
Chasing 177 for victory after losing the toss, Bolts defeated Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets with 15 balls to spare, earning their first win and dealing a heavy blow to the Rhinos' play-off hopes.
Anil Sah-stripped of the captaincy after a poor start to the tournament-anchored the chase with a blistering 61 off 36 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Earlier, Maaz Sadaqat had provided a flying start with a whirlwind 63 off just 30 deliveries, featuring six fours and four sixes.
Chitwan, seeking their third win of the season, posted a competitive 176/4 in the allotted 20 overs after openers Dawid Malan and Arjun Saud, promoted up the order, combined for a 112-run stand. Malan top-scored with 80 off 54 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes, while Saud contributed 52 off 39 with four boundaries and three sixes.
Skipper Kushal Malla finished the innings strongly with an unbeaten 30 off 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Anil Sah was later adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning knock and a wicket.
In the day's second fixture, Pokhara Avengers rode on Adam Rossington's superb century to post a formidable 201/2 in 20 overs, eventually defeating the Yaks by 34 runs.
The much-needed win lifted Pokhara to fourth in the eight-team standings on four points, level with the Rhinos and Lumbini Lions but ahead on net run rate.
Rossington remained unbeaten on a magnificent 108 off 58 balls, hammering eleven fours and seven sixes. Jason Roy added 46 off 34 balls with two boundaries and three maximums.
Mark Watt tried to anchor the Yaks' chase with 59 off 34 balls, striking four fours and five sixes, but received little support as wickets tumbled regularly from the other end.
The Yaks were eventually bowled out for 167 inside 19 overs, with Dhananjaya Lakshan and Rishi Dhawan sharing six wickets between them. Rossington was named Player of the Match for his brilliant century.
In tomorrow's fixture at the same venue, Biratnagar Kings will take on Lumbini Lions under the lights at the TU Cricket Stadium.
