The Sudurpaschim Royals secured their second consecutive victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025, defeating the Pokhara Avengers by a margin of 18 runs in a thrilling, high-scoring affair at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The victory propels the Royals to the top of the points table, while the Avengers are left searching for their first win of the season.
The match, the sixth of the NPL 2025 tournament, began with the Pokhara Avengers winning the toss and electing to bowl first. This decision initially seemed questionable as the Royals’ openers, led by a blistering start from Australian batsman Josh Brown, dominated the powerplay. Brown was the chief aggressor, smashing a sensational 68 runs off just 35 balls to lay a formidable foundation.
His partnership with Binod Bhandari and a quickfire cameo of 31 runs off 13 deliveries from countryman Chris Lynn helped the Royals motor along at a ferocious pace. Despite a mid-innings wobble where they lost a few quick wickets, Dipendra Singh Airee’s men managed to post a challenging total of 193 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. For the Avengers, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham was the pick of the bowlers, taking three key wickets to curb the scoring in the middle overs.
Chasing a demanding target of 194, the Pokhara Avengers’ reply got off to a disastrous start. Both opening batsmen were dismissed early, leaving the team reeling at 8 for 2 in the third over. However, local star and captain Kushal Bhurtel provided a much-needed anchor, rebuilding the innings alongside Neesham. Bhurtel went on to score a valiant half-century, hitting 53 runs off 32 balls, while Neesham added a rapid 47 off 25 balls, keeping the required run rate within reach.
The dangerous partnership was broken by a decisive spell from the Royals’ bowlers, particularly by Captain Airee, who dismissed Neesham. Bhurtel’s departure soon after, falling to Scott Kuggeleijn, virtually sealed the fate of the match. While Dan Douthwaite offered some late resistance with a quick 37 off 16 balls at a striking rate of over 230, the asking rate proved too steep. The Avengers eventually finished their innings at 175 for 8, falling short by 18 runs.
The comprehensive win underscores the Sudurpaschim Royals’ strong form early in the season, showcasing both their batting firepower and their ability to defend large totals. For the Pokhara Avengers, the second straight loss will necessitate a serious review of their top-order batting performance heading into the next fixtures.
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