Lumbini Lions defeated Pokhara Avengers by three wickets on Saturday, successfully chasing a 151-run target to end their run of three consecutive losses in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Lumbini reached 151–7 in 19.4 overs, with captain Rohit Paudel anchoring the innings with a crucial 40 runs. On his NPL debut, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella contributed 37, while Sandeep Jora finished unbeaten on 25, hitting two boundaries in the final over to seal the victory. Lumbini needed 10 runs off the last six balls, and Jora delivered under pressure.

With the win, Lumbini climbed to fifth place on the points table with four points from five matches.

Earlier, Pokhara posted 150–5 after being sent in to bat first. Despite a shaky start, wicketkeeper-batter Adam Rossington and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham rescued the innings with commanding half-centuries. Rossington top-scored with 81 off 63 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes, while Neesham remained unbeaten on 51 off 32 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes. The pair added 92 runs for the fifth wicket to lift Pokhara from 33–4.

For Lumbini, Sher Malla and Tilak Bhandari each took two wickets, while Gulbadin Naib claimed one.

Pokhara’s bowlers put up a fight in defence of their total, with Bipin Khatri, Matt Taylor and Sagar Dhakal taking two wickets apiece, but Lumbini’s middle order proved resilient enough to complete the chase.

Lumbini will now aim to build on this momentum as the tournament enters a critical phase for playoff contention.