Pokhara Avengers have been eliminated from the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League following a six-wicket loss to Kathmandu Gurkhas on Saturday at the TU International Cricket Ground. Despite a late fightback by Raymon Reifer, which helped Pokhara post a competitive total of 138 runs, Kathmandu chased it down in just 14.1 overs with solid contributions from their top-order batters.
Pokhara’s Batting Struggles Continue
Pokhara got off to a rocky start, losing star batter Andries Gous for a duck in the second over, dismissed by Gerhard Erasmus. Dinesh Kharel provided a brief spark, smashing Rashid Khan for four consecutive boundaries in the last over of the powerplay before being trapped LBW for 38 off 25 balls.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with captain Kushal Bhurtel managing just seven runs. Dilip Nath (27 off 24) tried to steady the innings with new signing Aakarshit Gomel, who contributed only eight runs before being bowled by Rashid Khan.
Raymon Reifer salvaged the innings with a late flourish, scoring 41 off 30 balls, including three sixes, to push Pokhara to a respectable 138/8.
Gurkhas Bowlers Shine
Karan KC was exceptional with the ball, picking up three wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs. Rashid Khan also claimed three wickets, at the cost of 43 runs. Gerhard Erasmus and Michael Levitt chipped in with a wicket each.
Gurkhas Top Order Dominate the Chase
Kathmandu Gurkhas started their chase on a strong note, with Michael Levitt and Stephen Eskinazi putting together a fifty-run opening stand inside the powerplay. Levitt’s quick 32 off 18 balls, featuring six boundaries and a six, came to an end when he was stumped off Bipin Khatri’s bowling in the final over of the powerplay.
Stephen Eskinazi continued the momentum, scoring a match-winning 60 off 34 balls with 10 boundaries. He added another fifty-run partnership with Bhim Sharki before Bhim was stumped for 22. Eskinazi eventually became Bipin Khatri’s second victim of the day.
Gerhard Erasmus closed the match in style with a quick 25 off 10 balls, including three sixes, ensuring a comfortable victory for the Gurkhas.
Bipin Khatri’s Bowling Brilliance
Left-arm spinner Bipin Khatri stood out for Pokhara Avengers, taking three wickets for just 19 runs in his three overs. Michael Leask picked up a wicket in the only over he bowled.
Playoff Scenarios
The wi keeps Kathmandu Gurkhas alive in the playoff race. They now face a crucial match against Biratnagar Kings on Sunday, which will decide their fate. Meanwhile, Pokhara Avengers have been officially knocked out of contention, as even a victory in their final match against Sudurpaschim Royals will not be enough to secure a playoff spot.
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