KATHMANDU: Pokhara Avengers defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas by 55 runs in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Sunday, powered by aggressive batting from Kushal Bhurtel and Yuvraj Singh Samra and an impressive bowling performance by Dinesh Kharel.
Batting first after losing the toss, Pokhara Avengers scored 224 runs, setting a new record for the highest team total in NPL history.
In reply, Kathmandu Gorkhas were bowled out for 169 runs in 19 overs while chasing a target of 225. Opener Shahit Patel was the top scorer with 34 runs, while Rashid Khan contributed 31.
Although Pokhara had already been eliminated from the playoff race, the team ended its league-stage campaign with a record-breaking victory over Kathmandu in its final match. The win was Pokhara’s second in seven matches, taking its tally to four points and leaving it seventh in the standings.
The defeat dealt a blow to Kathmandu’s campaign, pushing them out of contention for a direct place in the qualifiers.
Kathmandu, which has collected eight points from four wins and three losses in seven matches, finished third in the league standings and will now have to compete in the Eliminator. The team will face Chitwan Rhinos on Wednesday for a place in the second qualifier.
Defending champions Lumbini Lions lead the standings with 11 points, while Sudurpaschim Royals are second with 10 points. The two teams will meet in the first qualifier on Tuesday.
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