Pokhara Avengers defeated Chitwan Rhinos by eight wickets in Saturday’s second Nepal Premier League (NPL) match at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, securing their third win and finishing fifth in the league standings.

Earlier, Chitwan—already out of the playoff race—managed only 120 for six after winning the toss and opting to bat first.

The innings faltered at 7 for 3, with Arjun Saud and Ravi Bopara both dismissed for one and Dawid Malan departing for five.

Saif Zaib and Dev Khanal tried to stabilise the innings, putting on 38 runs. Zaib struck 17 off 18 with one six, while Khanal top-scored with 35 from 41 deliveries, hitting one four and one six.

Captain Kushal Malla made 23 from 23, and Uganda’s Alpesh Ramjani lifted the total past 100 with an unbeaten 33 off 22 balls, including one four and two sixes.

For Pokhara, Dhananjaya Lakshan took three wickets for 20 runs from 3.2 overs before leaving the field injured. Bipin Khatri, Kiran Thagunna and debutant Rohit Chand claimed a wicket each.

In reply, Pokhara cruised to the target with two balls to spare, thanks to a commanding 100-run partnership between Adam Rossington and Arjun Kumal. Rossington, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, struck 65 from 48 deliveries with four fours and five sixes before falling in the 15th over. Captain Kushal Bhurtel managed only four before being dismissed for 10.

Making his first appearance of the season, Kumal anchored the chase with an unbeaten 43 off 53, hitting two fours and one six. Jason Roy finished 6 not out. Zaib and Rijan Dhakal took a wicket each for Chitwan.

Pokhara ended the league with three wins from seven matches, while Chitwan suffered their fifth defeat and are set to finish seventh after Sunday’s final league fixture.