Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Pokhara Avengers will be looking to revive their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign when they take on Sudurpaschim Royals at the TU International Cricket Grounds on Friday. The Match No. 5 of the NPL kicks off at 4 pm.
Pokhara enter the match under pressure after a heavy 53-run defeat to Biratnagar Kings in their tournament opener. Chasing a record 221, the highest total in NPL history, Pokhara folded for 167 in 18.5 overs despite a fighting 56 from captain Kushal Bhurtel. Their overseas recruits, particularly Jimmy Neesham, were unable to contribute much in the match, adding to the team’s early frustration.
This slow start mirrors Pokhara’s struggles from the first NPL season. The Avengers finished just above the bottom-placed Lumbini Lions. With another loss on Friday, the franchise risks sliding into a familiar pattern.
Sudurpaschim Royals, last season’s runners-up, began their campaign in sharp contrast. They defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas by 29 runs, thanks to the resilience shown by the middle order and strong bowling. Their top order collapsed early—openers Josh Brown and Binod Bhandari fell for ducks, and No. 3 batter Chris Lynn managed just two. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee and Harmeet Singh revived the innings. Harmeet scored 53 off just 20 balls, and later struck twice with the ball.
Pokhara will need to be wary of Scott Kuggeleijn, who dismantled them with a five-wicket haul in the previous season. With two more scalps already in the opener against Kathmandu, he appears to have carried that form into this campaign.
