Dinesh Kharel
Mahedi Hasan
Kushal Bhurtel
Shakib Al Hasan
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Dhananjaya Lakshan
Hemant Dhami
Scott Kuggeleijn
Anil Kharel
Saif Zaib
Dipendra Singh Airee
Binod Bhandari
Brandon McMullen
Ishan Pandey
Sherfane Rutherford✱
Bipin Khatri
Pratik Pokharel
In a nail‑biting finish at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Sudurpaschim Royals edged Pokhara Avengers by six wickets with just 1.5 overs to spare. The decisive moment came when Brandon McMullen smashed 22 runs off only 12 deliveries, turning a modest chase into a confident sprint to the finish line.
Match Summary
Pokhara Avengers won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that would soon be questioned as Sudurpaschim Royals posted a competitive total of 148‑4 in 16.5 overs. The Royals’ chase was anchored by a quick start from McMullen, who struck at a strike‑rate of 183.33, and a steady partnership that kept the required run‑rate in check.
Pokhara Avengers, batting first, managed 145‑7 in their full 20 overs. Mahedi Hasan led the charge with a quick‑fire 32 off 21 balls, while Kushal Bhurtel added a handy 21 off 17. The innings was kept in check by disciplined bowling from Anil Kharel (3/23 in 3 overs) and Hemant Dhami (1/14 in 3 overs). Scott Kuggeleijn, despite a tidy spell, went for 49 runs in his four overs.
The Royals’ chase began cautiously but accelerated after the 8th over when McMullen unleashed a flurry of boundaries. Sudurpaschim Royals reached the target with 4 balls to spare, finishing on 148‑4, sealing a memorable win in the Nepal Premier League 2026.
Key Performances
Brandon McMullen (Sudurpaschim Royals) – 22 runs off 12 balls, including three fours and a six, providing the spark that propelled the Royals past the finish line.
Mahedi Hasan (Pokhara Avengers) – 32 runs off 21 balls, the top scorer for the Avengers, showing aggressive intent but lacking support from the other end.
Kushal Bhurtel (Pokhara Avengers) – 21 runs off 17 balls, a quick cameo that kept the run‑rate alive.
Anil Kharel (Pokhara Avengers) – 3 wickets for 23 runs in just 3 overs, the most effective bowler on a pitch that offered little assistance.
Hemant Dhami (Pokhara Avengers) – 1 wicket for 14 runs in 3 overs, economical and tight.
Dhananjaya Lakshan (Sudurpaschim Royals) – 1/17 in 2 overs, a useful spell that broke the opening partnership.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived early when Pokhara Avengers lost two quick wickets, slipping to 30‑2. Mahedi Hasan’s counter‑attack steadied the innings, but the lack of a big partnership kept the total under 150.
The second decisive moment unfolded during the Royals’ chase. After a steady start, the required run‑rate began to climb. McMullen’s 22 off 12 balls in the 12th over swung the momentum dramatically, reducing the pressure and allowing the middle order to finish the job with ease.
Finally, a tight spell from Dhananjaya Lakshan and Mahedi Hasan (now bowling for the Royals) in the death overs ensured that the Royals could chase down the target without a dramatic collapse, sealing the win.
Series Implications
With this victory, Sudurpaschim Royals improve their standing in the Nepal Premier League 2026, now holding two wins against Pokhara Avengers’ winless record in their head‑to‑head encounters. The win not only boosts the Royals’ confidence but also places them firmly in contention for a playoff spot, while Pokhara Avengers must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind.
For the Avengers, the loss highlights the need for deeper batting depth and a more aggressive approach in the final overs. The Royals, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum, especially with McMullen’s explosive cameo proving that they have the firepower to chase down challenging totals.
Cricket fans searching for the Pokhara Avengers vs Sudurpaschim Royals T20 Wedn can follow live updates via the Nepal Premier League 2026 live score portals, while those interested in the Pokhara Avengers T20 score or Sudurpaschim Royals cricket today will find detailed ball‑by‑ball commentary on the league’s official website.