Pokhara Wins Thrilling Super Over against Biratnagar in NPL Cricket

In a nail-biting finish, Pokhara Avengers defeated Biratnagar Kings by 13 runs in the super over during today’s first match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 Cricket Tournament at the Kirtipur-based TU Cricket Ground.

Biratnagar set a target of 140 runs, and Pokhara managed to score 139 runs in their 20 overs, losing six wickets, which led to the first super over of the NPL.

In the super over, Pokhara batted first, with Raymon Reifer leading the charge. Reifer struck consecutive sixes off the first two balls from Biratnagar’s captain and bowler Sandeep Lamichhane. After a dot ball on the third, Reifer hit a four, followed by singles on the fifth and sixth balls, setting a target of 19 runs for Biratnagar.

Biratnagar’s top-order batsmen, Martin Guptill and Nicholas Kirton, took on the challenge in their super over chase. Guptill scored one run on the first ball, while Kirton followed with a single on both the second and third balls. Kirton faced a dot ball on the fourth ball and scored a single on the fifth. The sixth ball saw a wide delivery, with a dot ball following it, leaving Biratnagar 13 runs short.

Earlier, in regular play, Andries Gous top-scored for Pokhara with 39 runs, supported by Raymon Reifer (34) and captain Kushal Bhurtel (31). Biratnagar’s Pratish GC was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Chris Sole claimed two wickets.

Biratnagar, batting first after winning the toss, posted a total of 139 runs in 20 overs for the loss of seven wickets. Scott Edwards contributed the highest score of 45 runs, followed by Lokesh Bam (26), Bashir Ahamed (21), and Kirton (19).

Pokhara’s bowlers shone with Sagar Dhakal and Raymon Reifer taking two wickets each, while Bhurtel and Dinesh Kharel claimed one wicket apiece.

The second match of the day sees Kathmandu Gurkhas facing Janakpur Bolts.