Biratnagar Kings registered a commanding 53-run victory over Pokhara Avengers on Tuesday, after posting a Nepal Premier League record total of 220 for 6 under the floodlights of the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Invited to bat first, Biratnagar became the first team in NPL history to cross the 200-run mark, surpassing their previous highest score of 193 for 8, made last season against Lumbini Lions.

George Munsey departed early for 10, but Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill took charge, adding 132 runs for the second wicket, the second-highest partnership in tournament history. Guptill smashed 61 off 35 balls, including five sixes and three fours, while Bam top-scored with a sparkling 72 off 48 deliveries, hitting seven fours and one six.

Shubham Ranjane hammered 38 off 16 balls, and Basir Ahmad contributed 23 off 13, further boosting Biratnagar’s total. Narayan Joshi remained unbeaten on 11 off three balls, while Pratish GC was caught at long-off from the final delivery of the innings.

Pokhara’s Matt Taylor took 2 for 48, while Sagar Dhakal and captain Kushal Bhurtel claimed a wicket each.

Chasing 221, Pokhara were bowled out for 167 in 18.5 overs. Captain Bhurtel cracked an impressive 59 off 31 balls and shared a 76-run stand with Adam Rossington (39 off 21), giving their side a brief glimmer of hope.

However, Biratnagar’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. Sandeep Lamichhane removed Jimmy Neesham and Tritraj Das in the same over, shifting momentum firmly back to the Kings. Dan Douthwaite fought for 29 off 20, striking four fours and a six, but became the final wicket to fall.

Lamichhane, Marchant de Lange, Pratish GC and Ranjane each picked up two wickets, while Basir Ahmad and Surya Tamang claimed one apiece.

With the emphatic win and a record-breaking total, Biratnagar have now set the benchmark for the season’s title contenders.