Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Pokhara Avengers ended their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign on a high note, beating Kathmandu Gurkhas by 55 runs on Sunday after posting the highest total in the tournament’s history.
Batting first after losing the toss, Pokhara smashed 224 runs for the loss of three wickets in 20 overs, surpassing the previous record of 220 set by Biratnagar Kings in 2025. They also became the first team to post two 200-plus totals in a single NPL season. The Avengers earlier scored 217 against Karnali Yaks.
Kushal Bhurtel came agonizingly close to a century, scoring 99 off 51 balls with eight fours and eight sixes. Nevertheless, he set the record for the highest score by a Nepali batter in the NPL. Opener Yuvraj Singh Samra contributed 89 off 55 balls. He clubbed eight fours and five towering sixes. The pair shared a record 186-run partnership for the second wicket, the highest in NPL history. Captain Chamika Karunaratne remained unbeaten on 19 off seven balls as Pokhara finished with a formidable total.
In reply, Kathmandu were bowled out for 169 in 19 overs while chasing 225. Smit Patel top-scored for the Gorkhas with 34, while Rashid Khan made 31. Sonu Devkota struck four consecutive sixes off Samra in the final over to finish with 29.
Dinesh Kharel led Pokhara’s bowling attack with four wickets for 18 runs in four overs. Bipin Khatri took three for 28, while Ramesh Mendis, Sandeep Lamichhane and Samra claimed one wicket each.
Pokhara, already out of playoff contention, finished seventh with four points from seven matches. They recorded two wins and five losses in the ongoing NPL.
Kathmandu finished third with eight points from seven matches. A win on Sunday would have propelled Kathmandu to second in the standings and sealed a spot in Qualifier 1. They will face Chitwan Rhinos, who finished fourth, in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
Kathmandu’s defeat meant Sudurpaschim Royals confirmed their spot in Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 with Lumbini Lions.
Lumbini Lions top the standings with 11 points, followed by Sudurpaschim Royals with 10.
Pokhara smash record 224 as Bhurtel misses century by one run
