Janakpur Bolts set Pokhara Avengers a target of 148 runs in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) match at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Sunday, as Pokhara’s chase lost momentum after an aggressive powerplay. Pokhara had reached 66 for three by the drinks break, but then lost Shakib Al Hasan and Kiran Thagunna in the 11th and 12th overs to fall to six wickets down.
Pokhara’s chase loses momentum
Pokhara made an assertive start to the chase, scoring 53 runs for the loss of two wickets during the powerplay. The early scoring put the Avengers on the front foot, but the dismissal of captain Kushal slowed their progress. By the drinks break, the side had added to its powerplay total and stood at 66 for three.
The score at the interval reflected a change in the innings: Pokhara had lost a third wicket after its early attack, and the next two dismissals followed soon afterward. The match report noted that Moeen Ali had taken two wickets for Janakpur as Pokhara reached 53 for two in the powerplay. The Avengers needed to keep building their total while protecting the wickets remaining in the chase.
Shakib and Thagunna dismissed in successive overs
Shakib Al Hasan was the fifth wicket to fall, dismissed in the 11th over for nine runs from 17 balls. His innings ended after a measured stay at the crease, with Pokhara needing to maintain progress toward Janakpur’s target. The dismissal added pressure as the chase moved beyond the drinks break.
Kiran Thagunna was out in the following over, the 12th, for 15 from just five deliveries. His quick contribution offered Pokhara runs, but his departure left the side six wickets down. With two wickets falling in consecutive overs, Janakpur had further checked the chase after Pokhara’s brisk powerplay and the loss of Kushal.
Target leaves the match in the balance
Janakpur’s total of 147 gave Pokhara a target of 148. The Avengers’ position at 66 for three at drinks showed that they had made a promising start, but the subsequent dismissals of Shakib and Thagunna changed the situation. The available match details establish the target and the fall of six wickets, but do not provide a final result or the eventual score of the chase.
The contest at the TU Cricket Ground therefore turned on whether Pokhara could recover from the middle-overs setbacks and continue scoring against Janakpur. For the Bolts, the two wickets reported for Moeen Ali and the later dismissals helped interrupt an innings that had begun with an attacking powerplay. For Pokhara, the challenge was to make up ground while wickets were falling.
The match was part of the Nepal Premier League, with Janakpur setting the total and Pokhara attempting the chase in Kirtipur. At the point described, Pokhara had reached 66 for three at the drinks break before slipping to six wickets down, with Shakib out for nine and Thagunna for 15. The final outcome was not included in the match update.
