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Kathmandu, Pokhara Avengers claimed their first win of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) season with an impressive 25-run victory over defending champions Janakpur Bolts at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday evening.

After losing their first two matches, Pokhara finally opened their account with two points, while Janakpur suffered their third consecutive defeat and remain without a win in the tournament.

Chasing a target of 156 runs, Janakpur managed only 130 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs. Despite a fighting half-century from Wayne Parnell, the team fell short. Parnell scored 50 off 38 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes. Sanjay Krishnamurthy added 25 runs, while opener Maj Sadaqat contributed 20.

Pokhara’s bowling effort was led brilliantly by Bipin Khatri, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs. Sumit Verma took two wickets, while captain Kushal Bhurtel and Jimmy Neesham claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pokhara Avengers posted 155 for 6 in 20 overs. Sumit Verma starred with an unbeaten 50 off 29 balls, smashing two fours and four sixes. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Openers Dinesh Kharel (38), Trit Raj Das (29), and Adam Rossington (24) also made valuable contributions.

For Janakpur, Sanjay Krishnamurthy picked up three wickets, while Anil Shah and Lalit Rajbanshi grabbed one each.

Under the NPL schedule, Friday will feature two matches: Chitwan Rhinos vs Kathmandu Gorkhas and Karnali Yaks vs Biratnagar Kings.