Kathmandu, November 9
Pokhara Avengers registered their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Karnali Yaks by 63 runs after posting a formidable 217-run total.
Batting first, Pokhara scored 217 for three in their allotted 20 overs, powered by a blistering century from Yuvraaj Samra and a half-century from Kushal Bhurtel.
Samra smashed 102 off just 48 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and six sixes. He shared a crucial 136-run partnership with Bhurtel for the third wicket, putting Pokhara in a commanding position.
Bhurtel contributed 62 off 39 balls, including seven sixes. After Samra was dismissed in the 16th over, Bhurtel continued the assault before falling in the 18th over.
Captain Chamika Karunaratne provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 35 off just 11 balls, with three fours and three sixes. Sunny BK remained not out on three.
For Karnali, Sompal Kami claimed two wickets, while Mark Watt took one.
Chasing a target of 218, Karnali Yaks were bowled out for 154 in 18.3 overs.
Ariful Islam gave Karnali a quick start with 24 off 13 balls, but the team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Deepak Dumre scored 22 off just seven deliveries, while Pawan Sarraf added 32 off 31 balls.
Captain Sompal Kami scored 21 before being dismissed for obstructing the field. No other Karnali batter managed to make a substantial contribution.
Pokhara’s Mahedi Hasan was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 24 runs in four overs. Kushal Bhurtel, Dhananjaya Lakshan and Bipin Khatri claimed two wickets each.
The 63-run victory gave Pokhara Avengers their first win of the season, providing a much-needed boost to their NPL campaign.
