Pokhara Avengers posted 145-7 in their first innings against Sudurpaschim Royals in the Nepal Premier League on Wednesday, setting their opponents a target of 146 to win.

Batting first after losing the toss, Pokhara finished strongly, scoring two fours and a six in the final over. Arjun Gharti top-scored with an unbeaten 40 off 25 balls, while Bipin Khatri remained not out on five.

Opener Mahedi Hasan led Pokhara’s early scoring with 32 off 21 balls. Captain Kushal Bhurtel made 21 off 17 deliveries, while Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan contributed 14.

The other opener, Dinesh Kharel, managed just four runs. Sadeera Samarawickrama scored eight, Dhananjaya Lakshan made 11 and Kiran Thagunna was dismissed for one. Pokhara also received nine runs in extras.

For Sudurpaschim, Anil Kharel was the leading wicket-taker with three wickets for 23 runs in three overs. Hemant Dhami and captain Dipendra Singh Airee took one wicket each.

Scott Kuggeleijn had an expensive outing, conceding 49 runs in four overs for one wicket. Abinash Bohara, Ishan Pandey and Saif Zaib went wicketless.