Pokhara Avengers set Kathmandu Gorkhas a daunting target in the final league match of the Nepal Premier League’s third season on Sunday, posting a record 224 for two after being put to bat first.

It is the highest team total in the competition’s history, surpassing Biratnagar Kings’ 220 for six against Pokhara in the second season.

Kushal Bhurtel came agonisingly close to a century, falling just one run short when he was caught behind off Jahandad Khan for 99. He faced 51 balls, hitting eight fours and eight sixes.

His innings is the highest individual score by a Nepali batter in the tournament. Bhurtel also missed the chance to become the first Nepali player to score a century in the NPL.

The previous highest score by a Nepali batter was Rohit Paudel’s 95 for Lumbini Lions in the inaugural season.

Bhurtel shared a 186-run second-wicket partnership with opener Yuvraaj Samra, who made 89 before being dismissed. Samra struck eight fours and five sixes in his 55-ball innings.