Lamichhane’s record six-wicket haul keeps Biratnagar’s playoff hopes alive

Sandeep Lamichhane overshadowed a brilliant innings by Yuvraaj Samra with a record-equalling six-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, as Biratnagar Kings beat Pokhara Avengers by four wickets in the Nepal Premier League on Thursday. Samra struck 84 off 47 balls at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, but Lamichhane's devastating spell restricted Pokhara to 132 in 17.5 overs after they elected to bat. Biratnagar, who struggled during the chase despite the modest target, eventually reached 136 for six in 19.2 overs.

The victory kept Biratnagar's playoff hopes alive. With three wins and three defeats from six matches, the Kings moved up to fourth place with six points. The top four teams from the eight-team round-robin league qualify for the playoffs.

Samra, who had smashed a century off 45 balls against Karnali Yaks in his previous match, continued his impressive form with seven fours and five sixes. But his dismissal by Lamichhane in the 15th over triggered a collapse, with Pokhara losing their last five wickets for just 10 runs.