Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: A superb century by Andries Gous helped Pokhara Avengers defeat Lumbini Lions by 10 wickets in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Friday at the TU International Cricket Ground.
Batting first, Lumbini Lions scored 170 for the loss of five wickets. Pokhara Avengers chased the target without losing a wicket, with 19 balls to spare.
Lumbini had a poor start, as its opening pair was out for a duck. Captain Rohit Paudel batted through most of the innings to anchor the team’s recovery. He played a superb knock of 95 off 59 balls which included 10 fours and four sixes. He was supported by Tom Moores, who made 45 off 38 balls, and Sundeep Jora, who added 18 off 15 balls.
Bipin Khatri took two wickets, while Matt Critchley claimed one for the Pokhara Avengers.
In the chase, Pokhara’s opening batters got off to a flying start. The team reached the target on the final ball of the 17th over. Andries Gous, the American recruit, scored an unbeaten 104 off 55 balls. This was NPL’s first-ever century. His outstanding innings included 12 fours and five sixes. Dinesh Kharel also contributed a solid 61 off 46 balls, with four fours and four sixes.
With this win, the Pokhara Avengers climbed to fifth in the league table, while the Lumbini Lions remain at the bottom with two losses in as many matches.
The Lumbini Lions will face Sudurpashchim Royals in the first match on Saturday, while Karnali Yaks meet Biratnagar Kings in the second match.
