A captain’s innings by Gyanendra Malla, who scored a 37-ball century, steered the Kathmandu Golden Warriors to their first victory - a 106 run win over Expert Dhangadi - in the Pokhara Premier League on Wednesday at the Pokhara grounds.

The match had been reduced to 17 overs per innings due to inclement weather conditions.

Chasing a mammoth target of 186 runs after winning the toss, the Dhangadi outfit were never really in the hunt as they lost wickets at quick intervals with only two of their batsmen getting into double figures. They were bowled out for a paltry 79 runs in 16 overs.

Basant Regmi was the pick of the Kathmandu bowlers with three wickets, giving away only 17 runs off his four overs. Pawan Sarraf and Suboth Bhati picked up two wickets each, while Amrit Bhattarai and Sushan Bhari got a wicket each.

Earlier, Kathmandu Golden Warriors did not have a good start to their innings as they lost opener Gaurav Tomar without a single run on the board. However, Jaykrishan Kolsawal and Amit Shrestha added 50 runs in a second-wicket partnership.

After Shrestha's departure, the pair of Kolsawal and skipper Malla built a solid partnership, adding 131 runs for the third wicket. Kolsawal, who missed his half-century by four runs, was caught by Sundeep Jora off Kamal Singh Airee in the 17th over, leaving Kathmandu at 182-3.

Skipper Malla, who smashed nine sixes and eight fours to score a 37-ball 100, was the next wicket to fall. Bhati, out for a duck, fell immediately, on the penultimate ball of the innings, caught by Rodrigo Thomas. Sarraf and Aadil Khan remained unbeaten on nought with Kathmandu finishing their stipulated 17 overs at 185-5.

Previously, Kathmandu had suffered a nine-wicket defeat to defending champions Pokhara Paltan, which followed a super-over loss against Butwal Blasters. With today’s win, Kathmandu have kept their hopes alive of progressing to the finals.

In the other match on Wednesday, Pokhara suffered a 45-run defeat to Biratnagar Titans.

Chitwan Rhinos play against Butwal Blasters in the only fixture slated for Thursday.