Samra’s century powers Pokhara to first NPL win

An explosive century from Canadian opener Yuvraaj Samra helped Pokhara Avengers register their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), beating Karnali Yaks by 63 runs on Monday. After losing their first four matches, Pokhara finally opened their account with a commanding performance at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Samra smashed 102 off 48 balls as Pokhara, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 217 for three in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Karnali were bowled out for 154 in 18.3 overs. It was the first individual century and the first team total above 200 in this season's tournament. The century was also the fourth in NPL history, with three of them scored by Pokhara players.

The team has never lost a match in which one of its players has scored a century, a record it maintained against Karnali. Pokhara's Andries Gous scored the first of those centuries in 2024, making an unbeaten 104 off 54 balls against Lumbini Lions.