An explosive century from Canadian opener Yuvraaj Samra helped Pokhara Avengers register their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), beating Karnali Yaks by 63 runs on Monday.

After losing their first four matches, Pokhara finally opened their account with a commanding performance at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Samra smashed 102 off 48 balls as Pokhara, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 217 for three in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Karnali were bowled out for 154 in 18.3 overs.

It was the first individual century and the first team total above 200 in this season's tournament. The century was also the fourth in NPL history, with three of them scored by Pokhara players. The team has never lost a match in which one of its players has scored a century, a record it maintained against Karnali.

Pokhara's Andries Gous scored the first of those centuries in 2024, making an unbeaten 104 off 54 balls against Lumbini Lions. Adam Rossington scored an unbeaten 108 off 58 balls against Karnali last year, reaching his century in 54 deliveries.

Karnali's Mark Watt also scored a century against Lumbini Lions last year, reaching the milestone in just 41 balls—the fastest century in NPL history. He finished unbeaten on 114 off 44 deliveries.

Samra struck 10 fours and six sixes before being dismissed by Watt. After Mahedi Hasan was dismissed for five off 16 balls, Samra and Kushal Bhurtel put on 136 runs for the second wicket from 68 deliveries.

Bhurtel scored 62 off 39 balls, hitting seven fours.

Captain Chamika Karunaratne provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 35 off 11 balls, with three fours and three sixes. Sunny BK was not out on three off six deliveries.

For Karnali, captain Sompal Kami took two wickets for 24 runs in four overs, while Watt claimed one wicket.

Karnali, meanwhile, suffered their third consecutive defeat after a disappointing batting display. Pawan Sarraf was their highest scorer with 32 off 31 balls, including a four and two sixes.

Opener Jishan Alam was dismissed for a duck, while fellow opener Ariful Islam scored 24 off 13 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Mark Watt made eight off 14 balls, including a six.

Deepak Dumre provided a brief counterattack, scoring 22 off just seven balls, with a four and three sixes. Gulshan Jha managed only two runs.

Karnali captain Sompal Kami was dismissed in an unusual manner, becoming a rare victim of the 'obstructing the field' rule. In the 15th over, he attempted a big shot off Bipin Khatri, but the ball hit his bat and dropped in front of him. As he swung his bat again, it made contact with the ball. Pokhara's fielders appealed, and the on-field umpire referred the decision to the third umpire, who ruled Kami out. He scored 21 off 19 balls, including a four.

Nandan Yadav made three, while Surya Tamang scored 13 off eight balls, including a six. Yuvraj Khatri remained unbeaten on one.

For Pokhara, Mahedi Hasan was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 24 runs in four overs. Dhananjaya Lakshan conceded 24 runs in four overs, while Kushal Bhurtel took two wickets for 39. Bipin Khatri also claimed two wickets, conceding 39 runs in 3.3 overs.