Kathmandu, Dec. 16: Sudurpaschim Royals made a comeback while defending 154 runs against Pokhara Avengers to register their fifth win in six games and climb atop the Nepal Premier League (NPL) points table.

Pokhara were once at 139/5 in 18.1 overs in the chase of the second match on Sunday at TU International Cricket Ground. However, in 19.4 overs, they got all out at 148 runs and Sudurpaschim won by five runs.

In the earlier match of the day, Biratnagar Kings, on the other hand, could not make a comeback like Sudurpaschim. Giving a target of 118 runs to Kathmandu Gurkhas, Biratnagar were able to restrict Kathmandu to 102/9 in 16.3 overs. However, the Kings could not capitalise on the scenario as Shankar Rana and Dipesh Kandel helped the Gurkhas to their fourth win of the NPL.

Nevertheless, despite the win, Kathmandu could not enter the Top 4 list besting Karnali Yaks. Karnali and Kathmandu have eight points each but the former has a better net run rate.

But Kathmandu still has a chance to enter the Top 4 list. Karnali, who has one game in hand, will be playing Sudurpaschim on Monday. If Karnali loses, Kathmandu could climb over on net run rate. But if Karnali wins, they could even challenge for the second or third spot. It will be decided after the final league-stage game between the two far-western teams concludes on December 16.

Biratnagar, Pokhara out

Biratnagar Kings and Pokhara Avengers were playing their final match of the league-stage against Kathmandu Gurkhas and Sudurpaschim Royals on Monday respectively.

With the loss, Biratnagar and Pokhara completed their campaign and finished sixth and seventh respectively. Both have 2 wins from 7 games.

Biratnagar could not end the campaign on a high with the loss to Kathmandu. Playing without Martin Guptill, who seemed injured the last day, Biratnagar’s batting was destroyed by Kathmandu’s spinners.

Dipesh Kandel, Gerhard Erasmus and Shahab Alam were the only ones to complete their four-over spell and bag three, two and one wickets respectively.

Biratnagar tried the same trick of spinners while they defended and it was fruitful. Sandeep Lamichhane bagged three wickets while Anil Kharel and Basir Ahamad took two each.

Kathmandu’s batting was also not up to the mark, but the lower order found a way to keep the team’s hope for the Playoffs alive.

Regarding, Sudurpaschim vs Pokhara, Aarif Sheikh was the highest scorer. His 42 off 38 was the most important knock that helped Sudur post 153/7 in 20 overs.

Kushal Bhurtel was the highest wicket-taker for Pokhara with two; but he got out for a duck with the bat. Andries Gous was the highest scorer for the team with 36 off 21.

Raymon Reifer (33 off 28) and Kiran Thagunna (32 off 28) were crucial but after they got out, Pokhara’s batting was completely destroyed.

Breaking the dominance of spinners throughout the day, pacer Scott Kuggeleijn was the hero for Sudur as he bagged a fifer with two balls remaining in his four-over spell. Harmeet Singh also took three wickets while Saif Zaib claimed one.