NPL: Pokhara lose fourth straight match, Sudurpashchim second, Chitwan third

In the Nepal Premier League, NPL, Pokhara Avengers have suffered their fourth consecutive defeat. Chitwan Rhinos beat Pokhara by 30 runs at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday evening.

Chitwan, who batted first after losing the toss, scored 151 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Captain Sikandar Raza scored 37 off 16 balls, while Ravi Bopara added 35 runs.

In reply, Pokhara were all out for 121 in 19 overs. Pokhara's Arjun Kumal top-scored with 45, but it was not enough to secure victory for his team. Chitwan's Rijan Dhakal took 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Kamal Singh Airee took 3 wickets for 7 runs.

In this match, Pokhara made Sri Lanka's Chamika Karunaratne captain in place of Kushal Bhurtel. Chitwan, with 5 points from four matches, have moved up to third place, while Pokhara remain at the bottom without any points.

In the earlier match, Sudurpashchim Royals beat Karnali Yaks by 39 runs. Sudurpashchim scored 176 for 6 wickets, while Karnali managed only 137 for 7. Karnali's David Miller scored an unbeaten 93 off 55 balls.

Sudurpashchim, with 6 points from five matches, have moved up to second place. In the tournament, Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions face off today, Saturday.