KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings defeated Pokhara Avengers by four wickets in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament on Thursday, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Chasing Pokhara’s target of 133 runs, Biratnagar reached 133 for six in 19.2 overs.
Basir Ahamad top-scored for Biratnagar with 37 runs, while Lokesh Bam contributed 33 and Imran Sheikh added 10. Isuru Udana remained unbeaten on 25, while Shehan Jayasuriya scored 17 runs.
For Pokhara, Kushel Bhurtel and Ramesh Mendis claimed two wickets each, while Bipin Khatri and Dhananjay Lakshan took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Pokhara, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were bowled out for 132 runs in 17.5 overs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Opener Yuvraj Samra delivered an impressive performance, scoring 84 runs off 47 balls, including seven fours and five sixes. Dhananjay Lakshan contributed 22 runs, while Sunny BK added 12. The remaining batters failed to reach double figures.
For Biratnagar, captain Sandeep Lamichhane produced an outstanding bowling performance, claiming six wickets for 27 runs in four overs. He also completed a hat-trick during his spell. Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka and Rupesh Singh picked up one wicket each.
With Thursday’s victory, Biratnagar have collected six points from six matches, having won three and lost three, keeping their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive.
Pokhara, meanwhile, have been eliminated from playoff contention after suffering their fifth defeat in six matches. They have managed just one victory so far.
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