Lumbini Lions set target of 171 runs for Pokhara Avengers in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) encounter at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Thursday.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Lumbini posted a total of 170-5 in the allotted 20 overs. The highlight of the innings was captain Rohit Paudel’s explosive knock of 95 runs, which included 10 fours and 4 sixes off 59 balls. His innings marked the highest individual score of the ongoing NPL, surpassing Janakpur Royals' Lahiru Milantha’s 75.

Rohit and Tom Moores put together a 110-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Moores contributed 45 runs off 38 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, before being run out. Lumbini suffered early setbacks, losing openers Ashutosh Ghiraiya and Unmukt Chand for ducks to Bipin Khatri’s bowling. Sundeep Jora added 18 runs before being trapped LBW.

For Pokhara, Bipin Khatri was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets, while Matt Critchley chipped in with 1 wicket.