By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Nov 18, 2025 16:51 PM • 35 views
KATHMANDU — The Biratnagar Kings have announced their arrival in the second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with thunderous intent, dismantling the Pokhara Avengers by 53 runs on the back of a record-shattering batting performance. In a display of sheer power-hitting, the Kings posted a mammoth 220/5 in their 20 overs—the highest total in NPL history—before restricting Pokhara to 167 all out in 18.5 overs.
The Bam-Guptill Show
After being sent in to bat by Pokhara, Biratnagar endured a shaky start, losing opener George Munsey (10) to Matt Taylor early, leaving the scoreboard reading a modest 14/1. However, the arrival of Martin Guptill alongside Lokesh Bam changed the complexion of the game entirely.
The pair unleashed a barrage of boundaries, treating the TU Cricket Ground crowd to a spectacle of clean striking. They stitched together a massive 132-run partnership for the second wicket—the second-highest stand in the tournament's history.
Guptill, the veteran Kiwi international, showed his class with a fluid 61 off 35 balls, studded with three fours and five sixes. But it was Lokesh Bam who truly stole the show. The local talent was in destructive form, blasting 72 off just 48 deliveries. His innings, which included seven towering sixes, anchored the Kings to a position of dominance. By the time Guptill departed, the platform was set.
A late cameo from Shubham Ranjane, who smashed a quick-fire 38 off 16 balls, ensured the Kings surpassed their own previous record (193 runs against Lumbini in Season 1) to set a daunting target of 221.
Pokhara's Fight and Fade
Faced with a mountain to climb, the Pokhara Avengers came out swinging. Despite losing Dinesh Kharel (7) in the second over, the Avengers put up a fierce fight in the power play. Led by Adam Rossington and captain Kushal Bhurtel, they racked up 77 runs in the first six overs—the highest powerplay score of the ongoing season. Rossington and Bhurtel added 76 runs for the second wicket, briefly threatening to make a game of it. Rossington's aggressive 39 (21 balls) ended in the seventh over when he was trapped LBW by Shubham Ranjane.
The Sandeep Lamichhane Turning Point
The match turned decisively in the eighth over, courtesy of Biratnagar captain Sandeep Lamichhane. Introducing himself into the attack, the leg-spinner orchestrated a stunning collapse. He removed the dangerous James Neesham for a golden duck and cleaned up Trit Das for zero in the same over, conceding just three runs. Suddenly, Pokhara's momentum evaporated. Kiran Thagunna followed shortly after for 8, falling to Surya Tamang. Captain Kushal Bhurtel fought a lone battle amidst the ruins, compiling a valiant half-century (59 off 31 balls). However, when he fell as the seventh wicket with 92 runs still needed off 35 balls, the writing was on the wall. Biratnagar's bowling unit hunted in a pack; Sandeep Lamichhane, Pratish GC, Marchant de Lange, and Shubham Ranjane all claimed two wickets apiece to seal the comprehensive victory.
Around the League
Earlier in the day, the Chitwan Rhinos kicked off their campaign with a 4-wicket victory over the Karnali Yaks. The action continues tomorrow as the Kathmandu Gurkhas, fresh off their win against Janakpur yesterday, take on the Sudurpaschim Royals.
