NPL 2025: Sudurpaschim defeats Pokhara by 18 runs

KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Pokhara Avengers by 18 runs in their Nepal Premier League 2025 match this evening.

After setting a target of 193 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs, Sudurpaschim successfully defended the total, restricting Pokhara to 175 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted overs.

For Pokhara, only captain Kushal Bhurtel with 53 off 32 balls, James Neesham with 47 off 25, and Dan Douthwaite with 37 off 16 reached double figures, as the team lost wickets at regular intervals in pursuit of the challenging target.

For Sudurpaschim, Harmeet Singh claimed 2 wickets, while all but one of the remaining six bowlers picked up a wicket each.

Earlier, put in to bat in the day–night match at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sudurpaschim posted an impressive 193, powered by a brilliant 68 off 35 balls from opener Josh Brown, including 6 fours and 3 sixes.

His opening partner Binod Bhandari contributed 43 off 42 balls, while Chris Lynn and captain Dipendra Singh Airee added 31 and 15 runs respectively.

For Pokhara, who elected to bowl after winning the toss, New Zealander James Neesham took 3 wickets, while Aakash Chand and Dan Douthwaite claimed 2 each.

This was the second match for both teams in the second NPL season. With the win, Sudurpaschim have secured 4 points from two consecutive victories, while Pokhara remain without points after back-to-back losses.

Two matches are scheduled for Saturday: the first at 11:15 am between Karnali Yaks and Lumbini Lions, followed by a day–night match at 4:00 pm where Kathmandu Gorkhas will face Biratnagar Kings.