The Nepal Premier League (NPL) ,Pokhara Avengers secured their first win of the season, defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by 25 runs at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium, Kritipur, a composed half-century from Sumeet Verma and a brilliant spell of spin bowling from Bipin Khatri and handing Janakpur their third straight loss .
After winning the toss , the Pokhara Avengers opted to bat first. Their openers, Adam Rossington and Dinesh Kharel, gave them brisk the start, the pair added 61 runs for the first wicket, showing positive intent from the outset. Rossington made a quick 24 off 17 balls, while Kharel Played steady knock 38 runs off 38 deliveries.
However, the innings took a sudden turn when Sanjay Krishnamurthy, produced a superb over. He dismissed Rossington first and then sent Pokhara captain Kushal Bhurtel back for a golden duck on the very next ball. This double strike caused a middle-order , and Pokhara Avengers suddenly found themselves 64/4.
Sumeet Verma and Trit Raj Das added 72 runs valuable partnership for the fifth wicket, mixing caution with calculated aggression. Das contributed 29 runs off 28 balls, ensuring stability, while Verma slowly took control of the innings.
Sumeet Verma emerged as the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 50 runs off 29 balls. His innings included two fours and four sixes. Pokhara Avengers post competitive total 155/6 in 20 overs.
While Sanjay Krishnamurthi was stand out performer for Janakpur Bolts took 3/21 in 4 overs, while Anil Sah and Lalit Rajbanshi took 1 wicket each.
Chasing 156, Janakpur Bolts innings began with shaky notes when Bipin Khatri, who delivered a brilliant opening over by dismissing Aasif Sheikh for a duck.while Shubh Kansakar also fell cheaply just managed only 4 .
Meanwhile, Sumeet Verma contributed with the ball too, removing Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton for just two runs and then dismissing Maaz Sadaqat on 20 runs off 14 deliveries. Captain Anil Sah failed to make an impact, scoring only a single run Janakpur were reduced to 37/5 in 6.3 overs.
Meanwhile,Janakpur lower-middle order attempted a comeback. Sanjay Krishnamurthy played a fighting hand, scoring 25 runs off 20 balls. Wayne Parnell shown some fight with determined unbeaten 50 runs from 38 deliveries, featuring 3 fours and 3 sixes. Janakpur Bolts only managed 128/8 in 20 overs and fall short by 27 runs , suffered third consecutive loss in this season sit bottom of the table. Defending champions is in serious trouble in this season in all three matches reflect their inconsistent batting lineup which failed to put competitive total or while chasing total.
While For Pokhara Avengers Bipin Khatri was picked up the bowler who bowled brilliantly and took 4/15 runs in 4 overs while Sumeet Verma gets 2 wickets and 1 wicket for James Neesham and Kushal Bhurtel.
NPL Pokhara Avengers vs Janakpur Bolts match summary
Toss: Pokhara Avengers won the toss and Opted to bat first
Pokhara Avengers innings: 155/6 in 20 overs
Top scorer: Sumeet Verma 50 *runs off 29 deliveries, Dinesh kharel 38 runs off 38 balls
Top Bowler: Sanjay Krishnamurthi 3/21 in 4 overs, Anil Sah 1/8 in 2 overs
Janakpur Bolts innings: 128/8 in 20 overs
Top scorer: Wayne Parnell 50* from 38 deliveries, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 25 runs off 20 balls
Top Bowler: Bipin Khatri 4/15 in 4 overs, Sumeet Verma 2/19 in 3 overs
Result: Pokhara Avengers won by 25 runs
Player of the match: Sumeet Verma 50* runs off 29 deliveries and 2/19 in 3 overs.
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