On Sunday at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sudurpashchim Royals achieved a thrilling five-run win against Pokhara Avengers, ensuring their position in the Nepal Premier League playoffs.
In pursuit of a goal of 154 runs, Pokhara was dismissed for 148 during the last over. Even though Pokhara was in a solid position at one time, they faltered in the closing moments, losing three vital wickets as they neared triumph.
Previously, Sudurpashchim scored 153/7 in their 20 overs after being invited to bat first. Aarif Sheikh finished not out with 42 runs, delivering a key performance off 38 balls that featured two fours and one six. Brandon McMullen scored 23, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 20. Ishan Pandey scored 10 runs before leaving the field due to injury.
The bowlers of Pokhara worked hard to maintain the chase within grasp, with captain Kushal Bhurtel claiming two wickets. Michael Leask, Raymon Reifer, and Sagar Dhakal all took one wicket each, yet it wasn’t sufficient to prevent the Royals from achieving a strong total.
On Sunday at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sudurpashchim Royals achieved a thrilling five-run win against Pokhara Avengers, ensuring their position in the Nepal Premier League playoffs.
In pursuit of a goal of 154 runs, Pokhara was dismissed for 148 during the last over. Even though Pokhara was in a solid position at one time, they faltered in the closing moments, losing three vital wickets as they neared triumph.
Previously, Sudurpashchim scored 153/7 in their 20 overs after being invited to bat first. Aarif Sheikh finished not out with 42 runs, delivering a key performance off 38 balls that featured two fours and one six. Brandon McMullen scored 23, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 20. Ishan Pandey scored 10 runs before leaving the field due to injury.
The bowlers of Pokhara worked hard to m
In response, Pokhara’s top order mounted a solid challenge, with Andries Gous making 36 runs from 21 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Raymon Reifer contributed 33 points, and Kiran Thagunna added 32. Nevertheless, the team’s middle order crumbled under strain as they conceded their last three wickets in the dying moments of the game.
Scott Kuggeleijn was the top bowler for Sudurpashchim, taking five wickets for only 26 runs, featuring a maiden over. Harmeet Singh contributed with three wickets, while Saif Zaib took one as well.
Pokhara’s defeat indicates they have not achieved a playoff spot, while Sudurpashchim, leading the league standings, are now prepared to compete in the forthcoming qualifiers. Sudurpashchim will contend with Karnali Yaks in their last league game on Monday, and a win will secure them the top position.
