Defending champions Pokhara Paltan have crashed out from the league stage of the Pokhara Premier League on Monday with a five-wicket defeat to Expert Dhangadi, their fourth loss on the trot.

The home team won the toss and chose to bat but were bowled out for a meagre 79 runs with 21 balls to spare in their stipulated 20 overs.

Chasing only 80 runs for a win, Expert Dhangadi themselves kept losing wickets at regular intervals but posted 85-5 in 8.3 overs to inflict a fourth successive defeat for Paltan. Deepak Punia top-scored for Dhangadi with 25 runs.

Sarabjit Ladda and Prathamesh Dake picked two wickets each for Pokhara while Lalit Rajbanshi had one wicket to his name.

Earlier, the Pokhara Paltan were restricted for cheap as only two of their batsmen scored in double figures. Led by Sharad Vesawkar, Pokhara were reduced to 20-3 in 2.5 overs. Binod Bhandari (12) and Aasif Sheikh (32) then added 34 runs for the fourth wicket. Bhandari then made the long way back to the pavilion after he was clean bowled by Anil Kharel in the eighth over. Paltan then lost their remaining six wickets for only 25 runs which meant their innings was wrapped up at 79 in 16.3 overs.

Kharel was the pick of the Dhangadi bowlers with three scalps to his name. He gave away only 15 runs from his four overs. Punia, Kamal Singh Airee and Sagar Dhakal shared two wickets each.

While the defending champions are no longer in contention for a spot in the play-offs, Dhangadi's chances are only mathematical. Having played all of their five matches of the league stage, Dhangadi will have to depend on the result of the remaining matches.

A large margin defeat for Kathmandu Golden Warriors against Chitwan Rhinos on Tuesday followed by a defeat for Biratnagar Titans against Butwal Blasters will keep their hopes alive.