NPL: Lumbini trances second win of season, defeating Pokhara

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Nov 29: Lumbini Lions has kept their chances of reaching the playoffs alive by defeating Pokhara Avengers by three wickets in the first match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) that is being played today.

Lumbini, who had lost three of their first four matches, were under pressure to win their fifth match today. With today's win, Lumbini has climbed to fifth place in the table with four points from five matches.

Despite the loss to Lumbini, Pokhara's chances of reaching the playoffs are still alive. Pokhara has won one of its four games so far. Pokhara currently has only two points.

Lumbini achieved the target of 151 runs set by Pokhara in 19.4 overs for the loss of seven wickets. Captain Rohit Paudel scored 40 runs for Lumbini. He was named Player of the Match. Niroshan Dickwella made an important 37 runs, while Sundeep Jora made 25 runs and Gulbadin Naib made 17 runs.

For Pokhara Avengers, Bipin Khatri, Matt Taylor, and Sagar Dhakal took two wickets each, while James Neesham took one wicket.

Losing a toss, Pokhara was invited to bat first, where it made 150 runs in the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. 

Pokhara did not start the innings well. They lost Dinesh Kharel as the first wicket and captain Kushal Bhurtel as the second wicket after scoring 15 runs.

Adam Rossington made 81 runs in 63 balls, hitting five sixes and seven fours. James Neesham made 51 runs in 32 balls, hitting three sixes and three fours. 

For Lumbini, Sher Malla and Tilak Bhandari took two wickets each, while Gulbadin Naib took one wicket.