Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Janakpur Bolts earned its third victory in as many matches of Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Pokahra Avengers by seven wickets at the TU International Cricket Grounds in Kathmandu.
Batting first, Pokhara Avengers scored 138 for the loss of seven wickets. Bolts achieved the target in 17.1 overs losing three wickets.
Janakpur earlier saw off the challenges of Biratnagar Kings and Karnali Yaks. It won both matches by eight wickets.
This, however, was the second loss in two matches for Pokhara Avengers.
The top order of Pokhara Avengers failed to click in the second match as well as the Gandaki Province-based franchise was down 45/3 in 6.6 overs. Openers Dinesh Kharel and Andries Gous scored 10 and 20, respectively, while Captain Kushal Bhurtel scored a run-a-ball six. Dilip Nath scored 11 from 14. Marcus Critchley tried to resurrect Pokahra’s innings, scoring 35 off 30 balls. Raymon Reifer contributed 17 from 20 balls, and Michael Lesak scored 25 off 13 balls.
Lalit Rajbanshi took three wickets for Janakpur, while James Neesham claimed two, and Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin contributed two wickets each.
Although Janakpur lost Captain Anil Sah for one run in the chase, Aasif Sheikh and Lahiru Milantha scored 33 and 45, respectively, to collect a record score for the Bolts in the power play. James Neesham scored an unbeaten 40 off 20 balls, while Harsh Thaker hit 13 off 14 balls.
Pokhara Aventers used eight bowlers. Of them, Bipin Khatri, Michael Lesask and Captain Bhurtel claimed a wicket each.
Sudurpashchim Royals takes on Kathmandu Gurkhas in the second match of the day in the NPL later on Thursday.
