Kushal Bhurtel’s blistering 99 powers Pokhara Avengers to a record-breaking 55-run win over Kathmandu
KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU — The Pokhara Avengers may have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but they ensured their final match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 would be unforgettable. In a breathtaking display of power-hitting at the TU International Cricket Ground on Sunday, the Avengers shattered the NPL team total record, amassing a mammoth 224/3 before dismantling the Kathmandu Gorkhas for a 55-run victory.
The match was entirely defined by the heroics of Kushal Bhurtel, who delivered the innings of a lifetime, falling just one agonizing run short of a historic century.
Bhurtel and Samra Rewrite the Record Books
After being put in to bat by Kathmandu Gorkhas’ captain Karan KC, the Avengers lost opener Arjun Kumal early. However, what followed was a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting.
Kushal Bhurtel and Yuvraj Samra orchestrated an incredible, 186-run partnership for the second wicket. Bhurtel was in devastating form, smashing 99 off just 51 deliveries. He hammered eight towering sixes and eight boundaries, completely tearing apart the Gorkhas’ bowling attack. His score of 99 is now the highest individual score by a Nepali batter in NPL history, surpassing Rohit Paudel’s 95 from Season 1.
He was caught behind off Jahandad Khan in the 19th over, missing out on becoming the first Nepali to score an NPL century by a single run.
At the other end, Samra was equally punishing, bludgeoning 89 off 55 balls (eight fours, five sixes). With a quick, unbeaten 19 off 7 balls from captain Chamika Karunaratne, Pokhara reached 224/3, breaking the previous NPL record of 220/6 held by the Biratnagar Kings. For Kathmandu, Karan KC was the only bowler to find success, taking 2 for 34.
Kathmandu Gorkhas Crumble Under Pressure
Chasing an improbable 225, the Kathmandu Gorkhas briefly showed intent during the powerplay, reaching 56/1. However, the sheer weight of the required run rate proved too much.
Sahil Patel (34 off 23 balls) and William Bosisto (26) tried to lay a foundation, but the innings quickly unraveled. From a stable 72/1, Kathmandu suffered a massive middle-order collapse, slipping to 86/4. Despite brief cameos from Rashid Khan (31 off 20) and Jahandad Khan (24 off 12), the Gorkhas continuously lost wickets attempting to keep up with the impossible asking rate.
Pokhara’s bowlers, backed by a massive total, bowled with freedom. Dinesh Kharel was exceptional, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs, while Bipin Khatri picked up 3 for 28. Kathmandu was eventually bowled out for 169 in 19.5 overs.
Despite the heavy defeat, the Kathmandu Gorkhas finished the league stage in third place and will face the Chitwan Rhinos in Wednesday’s Eliminator. For the Pokhara Avengers, the record-breaking victory serves as a powerful, albeit late, statement as they conclude their Season 3 campaign.