KATHMANDU, Nov 21: Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Pokhara Avengers by 18 runs in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 match at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday.
Batting first in the day-night fixture, Sudurpaschim posted 193 for 7 in 20 overs. Opener Josh Brown top-scored with a blistering 68 off 35 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. His opening partner Binod Bhandari added 43 off 42 balls. Chris Lynn and captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 31 and 15 runs respectively.
For Pokhara, James Neesham picked up three wickets, while Aakash Chand and Dan Douthwaite claimed two each.
NPL 2025: Pokhara Avengers to face Sudurpaschim Royals today
In reply, Pokhara managed 175 for 8 in the allotted 20 overs. Only captain Kushal Bhurtel (53 off 32), Neesham (47 off 25) and Dan Douthwaite (37 off 16) reached double figures as wickets fell at regular intervals during the chase.
Harmeet Singh took two wickets for Sudurpaschim, while all but one of the remaining six bowlers used chipped in with a wicket each.
This was the second match for both teams in the second season of the NPL. With back-to-back wins, Sudurpaschim Royals have collected four points. Pokhara Avengers remain without a point after losing its second straight match.
Two matches are scheduled for Saturday. Karnali Yaks will face Lumbini Lions at 11:15 am, while Kathmandu Gorkhas take on Biratnagar Kings in the day-night encounter starting at 4:00 pm.
