NPL: Sudurpashchim beat Pokhara by 6 wickets on Dipendra's unbeaten half-century

In the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Sudurpashchim Royals beat Pokhara Avengers by 6 wickets on Wednesday. In the match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sudurpashchim chased down Pokhara's target of 146 runs, finishing on 16.5 overs for the loss of 4 wickets.

Having lost the toss and batted first, Pokhara had set Sudurpashchim a target of 146 runs. In reply, Sudurpashchim lost the wicket of Binod Bhandari in the very first over. The side lost 2 wickets in the powerplay while scoring 51 runs. Brandon McMullen made 22 off 12 balls, while Saif Zaib scored 15 off 16 balls.

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee struck an unbeaten half-century. His partnership with Ishan Pandey took the team close to victory. At the end of 15 overs, Sudurpashchim were 128 for 3. Pandey was dismissed for 37 off 31 balls.

With the win, Sudurpashchim have added two points. The team, which had lost by seven wickets to defending champions Lumbini Lions in their first match, made a comeback in this game. Pokhara, meanwhile, lost in their very first match.