By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Dec 02, 2025 14:16 PM • 14 views
KIRTIPUR: In a display of sheer batting dominance at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Adam Rossington struck a blistering unbeaten century to steer the Pokhara Avengers to a comprehensive 34-run victory over the Karnali Yaks in the 21st match of the Nepal Premier League 2025-26 on Tuesday. The English wicketkeeper-batter’s masterclass—108 not out off just 58 deliveries—propelled Pokhara to an imposing total of 201 for 2. Despite a spirited half-century from Mark Watt, the Karnali Yaks faltered in their chase, finishing on 167 for 9 and succumbing to the mounting scoreboard pressure.
Rossington and Roy Flay Karnali Attack
After Karnali Yaks skipper Sompal Kami won the toss and elected to field—a decision that would soon backfire—Pokhara’s openers wasted little time assessing the conditions. While captain Kushal Bhurtel departed early for 18, his dismissal only set the stage for a destructive partnership that defined the contest.
Rossington was joined by Jason Roy, making his highly anticipated NPL debut. The English duo dismantled the Karnali bowling attack with a 127-run stand for the second wicket, showcasing a blend of brute force and calculated aggression. Rossington was particularly severe on the spinners, finding the boundary with ease as he raced to his century, studded with 11 fours and 7 towering sixes.
Roy, playing the perfect foil, compiled a fluent 46 off 34 balls, ensuring the momentum never dipped. Late hitting from Dhananjaya Lakshan (23* off 11) added the finishing touches, lifting the Avengers past the psychological 200-run mark. Karnali’s bowlers were left searching for answers, with their attack collectively conceding over 10 runs an over.
Watt’s Resistance Not Enough
Chasing a daunting target of 202, the Karnali Yaks needed a flyer but found themselves in early trouble against a disciplined Pokhara seam attack. The top order crumbled under the weight of the asking rate, leaving the middle order with too much to do. Mark Watt, primarily known for his crafty spin, emerged as the lone warrior with the bat for Karnali. He fought valiantly, smashing a rapid 59 off 34 balls to keep a glimmer of hope alive. His counter-attacking knock briefly threatened to take the game deep, but the lack of substantial partnerships ultimately derailed the chase. Once Watt holed out to Trit Raj Das off Kiran Thagunna, the Yaks’ innings lost its steam. Regular wickets stifled any chance of a comeback, and despite the lower order dragging the score to 167, the result was a foregone conclusion long before the final ball.
Playoff Implications
This victory serves as a massive boost for the Pokhara Avengers, who have now registered their second win of the campaign, keeping their playoff aspirations firmly alive. The comprehensive margin of victory will also do wonders for their net run rate. For the Karnali Yaks, however, the road ahead is blocked. With their fifth loss in six games, they remain rooted in the bottom half of the table, and their chances of making the knockouts are now completely closed.
