Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sudurpashchim Royals clinched their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Pokhara Avengers by 18 runs in Match No. 6 at the TU International Cricket Grounds on Friday.
With the win, Sudurpashchim have climbed to the top of the points table. Pokhara, meanwhile, suffered their second straight loss. They earlier conceded a 53-run defeat to Biratnagar Kings.
Sent in to bat first after losing the toss, Sudurpashchim scored 193 runs for the loss of seven wickets. In reply, Pokhara folded for 175 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
The opening pair of Josh Brown and Binod Bhandari added 108 runs for Sudurpashchim in 10.4 overs. Brown hammered 68 off 35 balls in a knock that included five sixes and six fours. Bhandari scored 43 off 42 balls before Chris Lynn struck a quickfire 31 off just 13 deliveries. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee added 15. Other Sudurpashchim batters failed to reach double digits.
James Neesham took three wickets for Pokhara, while Akash Chand and Dan Douthwaite picked up two each.
Pokhara’s chase did not go as expected as they lost openers Dinesh Kharel (6) and Adam Rossington (1) cheaply. Captain Kushal Bhurtel (53) and James Neesham (47) kept Pokhara in the hunt, but their efforts alone were not enough. Dan Douthwaite (37) offered some resistance, but other Pokhara batters failed to reach double digits.
Harmeet Singh claimed two wickets for Sudurpashchim, while Scott Kuggeleijn, Dipendra Singh Airee, Hemant Dhami, Abinash Bohara and Naren Saud took a wicket each.
Saturday’s Fixtures:
Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Biratnagar Kings
