Kathmandu, Nov 6: Pokhara Avengers suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), going down by 30 runs against Chitwan Rhinos on Friday evening.
Chasing a target of 152 runs, Pokhara were bowled out for just 121 in 19 overs. Arjun Kumal was the top scorer with 45 runs off 44 balls, including three fours and a six.
Yuvraj Samra contributed 19 runs, while Kiran Thagunna and Arjun Gharti scored 13 and 12 runs respectively. The remaining batters failed to reach double figures.
For Chitwan, Rijan Dhakal led the bowling attack with four wickets, conceding 24 runs in his four overs. Kamal Singh Airee claimed three wickets for just seven runs in two overs, including a maiden. Dan Mousley, Mausam Dhakal and Kushal Malla picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, after being put in to bat at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Chitwan posted 151/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with 37 runs off just 16 deliveries, smashing four sixes and two boundaries. Ravi Bopara added 35 runs, while Arjun Saud scored 31. Dawid Malan contributed 28 runs, and Kushal Malla made 11.
For Pokhara, Chamika Karunaratne, Bipin Khatri and Kushal Bhurtel claimed two wickets apiece.
With this victory, Chitwan moved up to third place in the points table with five points from four matches. Meanwhile, Pokhara remain at the bottom of the standings without a point after four consecutive defeats.
