NPL 2026: Pokhara defeats Kathmandu by 55 runs

Kathmandu: Pokhara Avengers have defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas by 55 runs in the last league match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026.

Though already out of the tournament, Pokhara ended their campaign in the third edition of NPL with a comfortable win against Kathmandu, who have already booked a place in the Qualifiers.

Batting first after losing the toss, Pokhara scored a mammoth 224 runs at the loss of 3 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Kushal Bhurtel, who missed a century by just one run and Yuvraj Samra (89) were involved in a 186-run partnership to give their team the highest score in NPL history. Kushal Bhurtel also became the Nepali batsman to score the highest runs, i.e. 99 runs, in NPL history.

For the bowling side, Karan KC took 2 wickets while Jahandad Khan took 1 wicket. In reply, chasing an improbable target of 225 runs, Kathmandu were all out in 19.5 overs, with only 169 runs on the board.

For Pokhara, Dinesh Kharel took 4 wickets while Bipin Khatri took 3 wickets.

Despite the loss today, Kathmandu have made it to the play-offs and will now face Chitwan to qualify for the eliminator. Defending champions Lumbini Lions will face runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals in the Qualifier.

The losing team will then face the winner between Kathmandu and Chitwan in the eliminator. The play-offs begin this coming Tuesday. The NPL is a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket tournament hosted by the Cricket Association of Nepal.

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