Kathmandu, November 3
Lumbini Lions delivered a commanding all-round performance to dismantle Pokhara Avengers, bowling them out for just 97 before cruising to an eight-wicket victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Tuesday.
The Lumbini Lions made light work of the chase, reaching 98/2 in just 11.4 overs to seal the win with 50 balls to spare.
The damage was done with the ball, as Lumbini’s bowlers never allowed Pokhara to settle. Ruben Trumpelmann led the demolition with three wickets for 16 runs in his four overs, while Tilak Bhandari claimed two wickets.
Pokhara’s innings unravelled almost immediately. Arjun Kumal was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, and the Avengers lost three wickets for just 15 runs inside four overs.
Captain Kushal Bhurtel managed 14 off 20 balls, while Mahedi Hasan scored 13 off 24 deliveries as Pokhara struggled to find any momentum. Chamika Karunaratne offered some resistance with 25 off 17 balls, but wickets continued to fall at the other end.
Pokhara eventually finished on 97/9 in their 20 overs, with no batter able to build a substantial innings.
In response, Lumbini Lions were equally ruthless. Although Aasif Sheikh and D’Arcy Short departed early, captain Rohit Paudel ensured there was no chance of a comeback.
Paudel struck an unbeaten 47 off 32 balls, including three fours and three sixes, while Niroshan Dickwella supported him with an unbeaten 27 off 26 deliveries.
The pair put together an unbroken partnership to take Lumbini comfortably past the target in 11.4 overs.
