Pokhara Avengers’ search for their first victory in the Nepal Premier League continued as they struggled with the bat against Lumbini Lions, managing just 97 for nine in their third match of the tournament on Tuesday.

After winning the toss and opting to field, Lumbini kept Pokhara under pressure throughout the innings, never allowing their batters to build momentum.

Ruben Trumpelmann struck early, bowling Arjun Kumal for a duck off the second ball of the innings. Kumal, who had been left out of Pokhara’s playing XI for their first two matches, faced just two deliveries. Pokhara managed only 23 runs for the loss of two wickets in the powerplay.

Bipin Acharya was caught and bowled by Sher Malla for seven, while captain Kushal Bhurtel failed to convert his start into a substantial score. He was caught off Trumpelmann for 14 after a poor shot selection.

Shakib Al Hasan managed just three before Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel dismissed him. Pokhara took 88 balls to reach the 50-run mark, underlining their batting struggles.

A 19-run partnership between Mahedi Hasan and Arjun Gharti was the second-highest of the innings. Mahedi scored 13 and Gharti six, while Kiran Thagunna contributed 12.

Pokhara’s biggest partnership came late in the innings, when Chamika Karunaratne and Bipin Khatri added 21 runs for the ninth wicket. Karunaratne was the top scorer with 25 before being run out. Khatri remained unbeaten on five, while Aakash Chand finished not out on one.

Trumpelmann led Lumbini’s bowling attack with three wickets. Tilak Bhandari claimed two, while Kishore Mahato, Paudel and Abhishesh Gautam took one each.

The disciplined bowling effort restricted Pokhara to 97 for nine, leaving Lumbini needing 98 runs to win.