Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill blasted half-centuries as Biratnagar Kings posted a Nepal Premier League record total of 220 for 6 against Pokhara Avengers at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.

Invited to bat first after Pokhara won the toss, Biratnagar surpassed their own previous highest NPL score of 193 for 8—set last season against Lumbini Lions—becoming the first team to breach the 200-run mark in the league.

Biratnagar lost George Munsey early for 10, but Bam and Guptill dominated the attack, stitching a 132-run partnership for the second wicket—the second-highest stand in NPL history. Last year, Pokhara’s Andries Gous and Dinesh Kharel had put on an unbeaten 176 for the first wicket.

Guptill struck a rapid 61 off 35 balls, hammering three fours and five sixes, while Bam top-scored with 72 off 48 deliveries, slamming seven fours and a six. Bashir Ahmed added 23 off 13 balls, and Shubham Ranjane smashed 38 off 16, hitting three fours and two sixes. Pratish GC was caught at long-off off the final ball of the innings, while Narayan Joshi remained unbeaten on 11 from three balls.

Matt Taylor was the pick of the bowlers for Pokhara with 2 for 48 from four overs, while Sagar Dhakal and captain Kushal Bhurtel claimed a wicket apiece.

Pokhara Avengers now face the daunting task of chasing 221 to win.