KATHMANDU: In the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL), Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Pokhara Avengers by 6 wickets to register their first win in the tournament. Earlier, Sudurpaschim had lost to Lumbini Lions.

In reply, Sudurpaschim met the target of 146 runs posted by Pokhara in 16.5 overs at the loss of four wickets.

Skipper Dipendra Singh Airee scored an unbeaten 51 runs for Sudurpaschim. He hit 4 fours and 2 sixes in 36 balls. Ishan Pandey scored 37 runs off 31 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes.

Brendan McMullen scored 22 runs off 12 balls, Saif Zaib scored 15 runs and Serfane Rutherford remained unbeaten on 8 runs. Dhananjaya Lakshan, Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan took one wicket each for Pokhara.

Pokhara Cricket, invited to bat first after losing the toss at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, posted a total of 145 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.

Arjun Gharti scored an unbeaten 40 off 25 balls for Pokhara. He hit four fours and a six.

Similarly, Mahedi Hasan scored 32 runs in 21 balls while captain Kushal Bhurtel contributed 21 runs in 17 balls. Shakib Al Hasan scored 14 runs in 16 balls and Dhananjaya Lakshan scored 11 runs in 16 balls. Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed for eight runs.

Sudurpaschim Royals bowler Anil Kharel performed well and took three wickets. He conceded 23 runs in three overs. Scott Kuggeleijn, Dipendra Singh Airee and Hemant Dhami took one wicket each.