Pokhara Avengers’ losing streak continues in NPL

Pokhara Avengers won a match in the Nepal Premier League’s last season, defeating Chitwan Rhinos by eight wickets in their final league-stage fixture. Pokhara started the season with a six-wicket loss against Sudurpaschim Royals, and were then defeated by Janakpur Bolts and Lumbini Lions. The Avengers, starting without Shakib Al Hasan, won the toss and elected to field first.

And they utilised the decision, allowing the Rhinos to put 151/6 on the scoreboard by the end of the first innings. Chitwan had a good start with the bat as openers Arjun Saud and Dawid Malan built a 60-run partnership. When Saud (31 off 27) departed in the last ball of the ninth over, the experienced English all-rounder Ravi Bopara entered.

Bopara has been playing for the Rhinos since the inaugural season in 2024. He had scored 286 runs and bagged two wickets in the first season, and scored 237 runs and picked two wickets in the second. Coming to the third season, Bopara, who captained the Rhinos in the first match, is still the most consistent player for the Rhinos.