Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals will look to bounce back from a humiliating defeat in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) opener when they take on Pokhara Avengers in Match No. 4 on Wednesday.
The match will begin at 5 p.m. at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Two-time runners-up Sudurpaschim suffered a seven-wicket defeat against defending champions Lumbini Lions on Monday after being bowled out for just 87 runs on Monday.
The Royals will need a much-improved batting performance to get their campaign back on track. Their experience and strong record in the competition, however, should give them confidence heading into Wednesday’s encounter with the Avengers.
The two sides have met twice in the NPL before, with Sudurpaschim victorious on both occasions. They beat Pokhara by five runs in 2024 and secured an 18-run victory in 2025. The Avengers, who are the only side to not make it to the playoffs, are still searching for their first win against the Royals. They finished sixth in 2024 and fifth in 2025.
Pokhara, meanwhile, have strengthened their squad with several international players. Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan, Sri Lankan duo Dhananjaya Lakshan and Chamika Karunaratne add experience and depth to their all-round options. Bangladesh all-rounder Mahedi Hasan has also joined the squad.
Sudurpaschim have also bolstered their squad with overseas signings. They have retained Scottish all-rounder Brandon McMullen and Pakistan-born English all-rounder Saif Ali Zaib. New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn and West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford further strengthen their overseas contingent.
