Adam Rossington’s unbeaten century powered Pokhara Avengers to a crucial 34-run victory over Karnali Yaks on Tuesday, keeping their Nepal Premier League (NPL) play-off hopes alive while knocking Karnali out of the tournament.

Earlier in the first innings, Rossington blasted 108 not out off 58 balls—his maiden NPL century—as Pokhara, sent in to bat at the TU Cricket International Ground in Kirtipur, racked up a commanding 201-2 in their 20 overs. The English wicketkeeper-batter reached his hundred in 55 balls, hammering 11 fours and seven sixes. It was only the third century in NPL history, all scored by overseas players, following Mark Watt’s 114 this season and Andries Gous’ 104 last year.

Pokhara became just the second team to cross the 200-run mark in the league; Biratnagar Kings had previously smashed 220 against them.

Captain Kushal Bhurtel fell for 18 after striking three fours and a six from 17 balls, but Rossington dominated the innings with strong support from Jason Roy. Playing his first match of the tournament, the England World Cup winner scored 46 off 34 balls with two fours and three sixes as the pair added 127 for the second wicket off 72 deliveries. Dhananjaya Lakshan chipped in with an unbeaten 23 from 11 balls.

In reply, Karnali were dismissed for 167 in 19 overs despite an attacking half-century from Mark Watt, who top-scored with 59 off 34 balls, slamming four fours and five sixes.

Priyank Panchal made 16 off 11 balls, Jaykishan Kolsawala managed 6, and Pawan Sarraf contributed 19 off 14. Najibullah Zadran kept the chase alive briefly with 24 off 15, but wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals.

Gulshan Jha (9), Dipendra Sawat (10), skipper Sompal Kami (13), Unish Singh Thakuri (3) and Bipin Sharma (0) all departed cheaply as Karnali folded well short of the target. For Pokhara, Rishi Dhawan and Dhananjaya Lakshan claimed three wickets each, while Kushal Bhurtel, Kiran Thagunna and Sandeep Chettri took a wicket apiece.

The defeat confirmed Karnali as the first team eliminated from the play-off race, with only one win from six matches. Last season’s third-place team have now suffered five losses.

Pokhara, meanwhile, secured their second win in five games. They must win both of their remaining fixtures to remain in contention for a place in the play-offs.