The Biratnagar Kings delivered a commanding performance to open their Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 campaign, defeating the Pokhara Avengers by a dominant 53-run margin at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. A batting masterclass led by Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill powered the Kings to an imposing total.
Winning the toss, the Pokhara Avengers elected to field first, Despite losing George Munsey on 10 early, the Kings innings was built on a monumental 132 run partnership for the second wicket between opener Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill.
Lokesh Bam, showing remarkable composure and power, anchored the innings with a brilliant 72 runs off just 48 balls, decorated with 7 sixes and a boundary. Martin Guptill played the aggressor role to perfection, hammering a blistering 61 runs from 35 deliveries, featuring 5 towering sixes and 3 fours.
Following their dismissals, a powerful late surge from Shubham Ranjane 38 runs off 16 deliveries and a rapid cameo from Basir Ahamad 23 off 13 and Narayan Joshi steady on 11* off 3 ensured the Kings reached a massive total of 220/6 in their 20 overs.
For the Pokhara Avengers, Matt Taylor was the most successful bowler took 2/48 in 4 overs while Akash Chand, Sagar Dhakal and Kushal Bhurtel get 1 wicket each.
Chasing 221, Pokhara Avengers began their innings with shaky notes when Dinesh kharel fell on 7, Opener Adam Rossington 39 off 21 and the Kushal Bhurtel 59 off 31 launched a ferocious assault, particularly during the Powerplay. Their partnership of 76 runs for the second wicket kept Avengers live in chase .
However, the middle order crumbled spectacularly following the departure of Rossington and Bhurtel. Key international signings James Neesham 0 and Trit Raj Das 0 fell in quick succession to the spin wizardry of Sandeep Lamichhane, who demonstrated exceptional control and economy. While Daniel Dourthwaite tried at the lower order but managed only 29.
The Kings bowlers executed their plans to perfection, not allowing any subsequent partnerships to flourish. The Pokhara Avengers were eventually bowled out for 167 in 18.5 overs.
Lamichhane (2/18) and Shubham Ranjane (2/35) were the chief destroyers, ably supported by the pace of Marchant de Lange 2/48 and the accuracy of Pratis GC 2/29. While one wicket for Basir Ahmed and Surya Tamang get 1 wicket each.
NPL Biratnagar kings vs Pokhara Avengers match summary
Toss: Pokhara Avengers won the toss and Opted to bowl first
Biratnagar kings innings: 220/6 in 20 overs
Top performer: Lokesh Bam 72 runs off 74 balls , Matt Taylor 2/48 in 4 overs
Pokhara Avengers innings: 167/10 in 18.5 overs
Top performer: kushal Bhurtel 59 runs off 31 deliveries , Sandeep Lamichhane 2/18 in 4 overs
Result: Biratnagar kings won by 53 runs
Player of the match: Lokesh Bam 72 runs off 3
48 deliveries .
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