Janakpur Bolts and Pokhara Avengers Set for Crucial NPL Clash

Janakpur Bolts and Pokhara Avengers are set to face off in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Sunday, with both sides looking to strengthen their position in the tournament.

The match will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, beginning at 5 PM.

Janakpur have recorded one victory and one defeat in their two matches so far. They opened their campaign with a loss against Karnali Yaks before bouncing back with a win over Kathmandu Gorkhas.

Pokhara, meanwhile, are yet to register a victory, having lost their opening match against Sudurpashchim Royals. They will be looking to turn their campaign around with a win against Janakpur.

In the current points table, Janakpur are placed fifth, while Pokhara occupy the bottom position.

Meanwhile, Biratnagar Kings opened their winning account with a 35-run victory over Sudurpashchim Royals in a rain-affected, five-over contest on Saturday.

Batting first after losing the toss, Biratnagar posted a formidable 105 for two. Shehan Jayasuriya led the assault with 39 runs off just 11 balls, while Andre Russell remained unbeaten on 29 from 10 deliveries. Lokesh Bam added 25 runs.

In reply, Sudurpashchim managed 70 for two in their five overs, falling 35 runs short of the target. Scott Kuggeleijn scored an unbeaten 28, while Saif Ali Zaib and Arif Sheikh contributed 17 runs each.

Russell delivered an all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 29, taking one wicket and claiming a catch. Angelo Mathews also picked up a wicket for Biratnagar.

The victory earned Biratnagar their first two points after three matches, keeping their campaign alive in the tournament.

The match had been significantly delayed due to rain and a wet outfield, with the toss taking place much later than originally scheduled. The scheduled 5 PM start was pushed back several times before the five-over contest eventually got underway.