Kathmandu: Pokhara Avengers are struggling to chase down the target set by Janakpur Bolts in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Janakpur Bolts set a target of 148 runs for Pokhara Avengers, thanks to an impressive half-century from opener Tritt Raj Das. Batting first after losing the toss at the TU Cricket Ground, Janakpur scored 147 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.
Opener Tritt Raj Das top-scored for Janakpur with 61 runs off 55 balls, including seven fours and one six. He shared a 47-run opening partnership with Moeen Ali, who scored 21 runs off 16 balls.
Abhishek Tiwari played an aggressive unbeaten knock of 24 runs off just 10 balls. Meanwhile, Saif Hassan scored 1, captain Harmeet Singh 9, Jimmy Neesham 11, and Amar Singh Rautela and Anil Kumar Sah scored 9 runs each. For Pokhara, all seven wickets were taken by overseas players. Shakib Al Hasan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 15 runs in four overs. Chamika Karunaratne took two wickets, while Mehedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin claimed one wicket each.
Pokhara, having lost its opening match, is aiming for its first victory of the tournament. Janakpur, with one win and one loss from two matches, is looking to secure its second victory.
- Janakpur Bolts : 148 runs
- Pokhara Avengers : 53-3 (6.2)
