KATHMANDU: Defending champions Janakpur Bolts slumped to their third consecutive defeat in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), going down to Pokhara Avengers by 25 runs at the TU International Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Although Janakpur restricted Pokhara to a modest 155 for six, their batting faltered once again as they managed only 130 for the loss of nine wickets in reply.

Pokhara made an assured start with the bat as openers Dinesh Kharel (38) and Adam Rossington (24) putt on 61 runs for the first wicket. Although captain Kushal Bhurtel departed for a duck, Sumeet Verma’s 29-ball half-century and Trit Raj Das’s 29 off 28 balls helped lift Pokhara beyond the 150 mark.

For Janakpur, Sanjay Krishnamurthi claimed three wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi and captain Anil Sah took one apiece.

Janakpur’s chase unravelled early as opener Aasif Sheikh fell without scoring and the top order collapsed to 25 for three inside four overs. Krishnamurthi attempted to steady the innings with 25 off 20 balls, but wickets continued to fall around him. Wayne Parnell struck a fighting 50 off 38 deliveries before retiring hurt. Other Janakpur batters failed to provide meaningful support.

Bipin Khatri delivered the standout bowling performance of the match, taking four wickets for just 14 runs to dismantle Janakpur’s chase. Verma capped an impressive all-round outing with two wickets, while Bhurtel and James Neesham picked up one each.

The victory earned Pokhara their first points after two straight losses. Janakpur, meanwhile, remain winless and without points from their opening three matches.

Friday’s Fixtures
Chitwan Rhinos vs Kathmandu Gorkhas
Biratnagar vs Karnali Yaks