Pokhara Avengers Vs Kathmandu Gurkhas, NPL 2024 Toss.Photo: X | Nepal Premier LeaguePokhara Avengers Vs Kathmandu Gurkhas, NPL 2024 Toss.Photo: X | Nepal Premier League

Kathmandu Gurkhas thrashed Pokhara Avengers by 6 wickets in match 24 of the Nepal Premier League 2024 to keep their playoff dream alive on December 14nice88, Saturday at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. (More Cricket News)

The Kushan Bhurtel-led Pokhara Avengers won the toss and chose to bat first, but they were restricted to a modest total of 138/8, thanks to stellar bowling performances from Karan KC (3/14) and Rashid Khan (3/43), who wreaked havoc and dismantled the Avengers' batting line-up.

Opener Dinesh Kharel played a key role in stabilizing the innings with a steady 38 off 25 balls. However, Andries Gous was dismissed for a duck, and both skipper Kushal Bhurtel (7) and Aakarshit Gomel (8) fell cheaply. Raymon Reifer managed to salvage the innings with a solid 41 off 30 balls, setting a modest target of 139 runs for the Gurkhas.

In the second innings, the in-form Kathmandu Gurkhas chased down the target with ease in just 14.1 overs, finishing at 142/4. The charge was led by Stephen Eskinazi, who bludgeoned 60 off 34 balls, including 10 boundaries and surprisingly no sixes. Michael Levitt also contributed with 32 off 18 balls.

Bhim Sharki (22) and Gerhard Erasmus (25 not out) then guided the team home, securing the crucial win to take a step closer to the NPL playoffs.

The first quarter started off on a very strong note for South Korea as they displayed a very attacking brand of hockey. Jihun Yang also converted a penalty corner to give them the lead. 

Starting the tournament as clear favourites, Paris Olympics bronze-medallists India haven't disappointed so farnice88, beating hosts China 3-0, Japan 5-1, trouncing Malaysia 8-1 before registering a 3-1 victory against Korea in their last match.