NPL: Biratnagar Kings post 139 runs against Pokhara Avengers

KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings set a goal of 140 runs for Pokhara Avengers in Thursday's Nepal Premier League (NPL) game at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The Kings, under the leadership of skipper Sandeep Lamichhane, won the toss in their fifth tournament encounter and chose to bat first.

Biratnagar used their allotted 20 overs to score 139 runs at a cost of seven wickets. Scott Edwards, who scored a strong 45 runs off 35 deliveries, was the Kings' leading scorer. Prior to being removed by Raymon Reifer, opener Lokesh Bam gave a solid start with 26 runs off 16 balls. Nicholas Kirton chipped in with 19 runs from 16 deliveries, and Basir Ahmed contributed an undefeated 21 on 20 balls.

Although the Kings had a few standout performances, their ability to develop stronger partnerships was hampered by their frequent wicket losses. The squad fell short of their target total because of the early dismissal of Martin Guptill for just five runs and the lack of impact from lower-order batsmen including Pratish GC (4 not out), Chris Sole (7), Dipak Bohora (4), and Naren Bhatta (4).

In terms of bowling, the Pokhara Avengers put out a strong performance. Both Sagar Dhakal and Raymon Reifer claimed two wickets, which reduced the Kings' scoring possibilities. The wickets taken by Dinesh Kharel and Kushal Bhurtel, who each took one, allowed the Avengers to maintain pressure throughout the innings.

The Pokhara Avengers now face a difficult but attainable goal in the encounter. To secure their second win in the current tournament, they will need to chase down 140 runs with a great batting performance.