Sudurpaschim Royals defend 193 to sink Pokhara Avengers in 18-run thriller

Sudurpaschim Royals produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Pokhara Avengers by 18 runs in Match 6 of the Nepal Premier League 2025 at the TU International Cricket Ground on Friday night. A superb half-century from Josh Brown, followed by disciplined bowling at the back end, ensured the Royals held off a strong challenge from the Avengers in a high-scoring contest.

Sent in to bat, Sudurpaschim made an explosive start through the pairing of Josh Brown and Binod Bhandari, who added a century opening stand inside 11 overs. Brown was the centerpiece of the innings, smashing 68 off just 35 balls with six fours and five sixes. His aggressive strokeplay gave Royals early momentum and forced Pokhara onto the defensive. At the other end, Bhandari held the innings together with a steady 43 off 42 balls, guiding the top order through transitions after Brown’s dismissal at 108 for 1.

Chris Lynn chipped in with a rapid 31 off 13 balls, continuing the pressure on the Avengers' bowlers. However, Pokhara managed to slow the scoring through the middle overs as James Neesham and Aakash Chand struck in quick succession. Late contributions from Dipendra Singh Airee, Scott Kuggeleijn, and Ishan Pandey pushed Sudur Paschim to a competitive 193 for 7 from their 20 overs—a total buoyed by 14 extras that added crucial runs to the tally.

Pokhara Avengers began their chase in shaky fashion, losing Adam Rossington and Dinesh Kharel with the score still in single digits. Captain Kushal Bhurtel played a brilliant innings of 53 from 32 balls, reviving the chase alongside James Neesham, who counter-attacked superbly with 47 off just 25 balls. Their partnership of 95 kept Pokhara firmly in the hunt at the halfway stage.

Just as Avengers appeared poised for a late surge, Sudur Paschim struck back through Harmeet Singh and Abinash Bohara, removing both set batters before they could push deeper into the innings. Dan Douthwaite’s rapid 37 from 16 balls threatened to swing the momentum again, but consistent breakthroughs ensured the Royals maintained control. The required run rate climbed steadily, and Pokhara finished on 175 for 8, falling short despite flashes of individual brilliance.

The Royals' bowling unit executed its plans effectively, with Harmeet Singh and James Neesham leading from the front by breaking crucial partnerships. Kuggeleijn and Dhami contributed valuable middle-overs control, ensuring Pokhara never quite closed the gap after the dismissal of Bhurtel and Neesham.

Josh Brown was deservedly named Player of the Match for his dynamic 68, which set the tone for Sudur Paschim’s strong batting display. The victory put Royals at the top of the table with two wins in two matches, while Pokhara Avengers will be left ruing missed opportunities in both innings as they continue to search for first win in the league.