In a must-win match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Pokhara Avengers set a target of 139 runs for Kathmandu Gurkhas at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Thursday.

Winning the toss, Kathmandu chose to field first, restricting Pokhara to 138 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Middle-order batter Raymon Reifer remained unbeaten with 41 runs off 30 balls, hitting one four and three sixes. Opener Dinesh Kharel scored 38 runs off 25 balls, including six fours and a six, before being trapped lbw by Rashid Khan.

Dilip Nath added 27 runs but was bowled by Rashid. Other batters failed to reach double figures, with Andries Gous and Narayan Joshi dismissed for ducks. Captain Kushal Bhurtel managed only 7 runs, while Michael Leask contributed 1 before falling lbw to Karan KC.

For Kathmandu, Rashid Khan and Karan KC led the bowling attack, each taking three wickets. Gerhard Erasmus and Michael Levitt claimed a wicket apiece.

The match is critical for both teams as they vie for a spot in the playoffs.