Kathmandu, November 12
Biratnagar Kings defeated Pokhara Avengers by four wickets in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after Sandeep Lamichhane produced a remarkable hat-trick as part of a six-wicket haul.
Chasing a target of 133 runs, Biratnagar reached 136/6 in 19.2 overs, winning with four balls remaining.
Batting first, Pokhara were bowled out for 132 in 17.5 overs. Yuvraaj Samra top-scored with an impressive 84 off 47 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes.
However, Samra received little support from the other batters as Pokhara struggled to build partnerships. The team lost two early wickets with just 11 runs on the board before Samra helped stabilise the innings.
Arjun Gharti scored five runs, while Sunny BK contributed 12. Samra’s dismissal at 122 triggered another collapse, with Pokhara losing their final five wickets for just 10 runs.
Lamichhane was the star with the ball for Biratnagar, claiming six wickets for 27 runs in four overs, including a hat-trick. His spell played a crucial role in restricting Pokhara to a modest total.
Rupesh Singh also took a wicket, while Angelo Mathews and Charith Asalanka claimed one each.
In reply, Biratnagar also had a difficult start, losing Imran Sheikh and Asalanka early. Lokesh Bam scored 33 off 27 balls, while Basir Ahamad contributed 37 off 39 deliveries to keep the chase on track.
Pokhara continued to put pressure on the opposition by taking regular wickets. Biratnagar were reduced to 105/6 in 16.5 overs, leaving them needing 28 runs from 19 balls.
Isuru Udana then turned the match in Biratnagar’s favour with an unbeaten 25 off just 12 balls, including four fours and a six. Shehan Jayasuriya remained unbeaten on 17 off 14 balls as the pair guided Biratnagar home.
For Pokhara, Kushal Bhurtel and Ramesh Mendis claimed two wickets each, while Bipin Khatri and Dhananjaya Lakshan took one apiece.
