Sudurpashchim Royals Bowl First Against Pokhara Avengers in NPL

Sudurpashchim Royals elected to field first after captain Dipendra Singh Airee won the toss against Pokhara Avengers in their Nepal Premier League fixture at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Pokhara, led by captain Kushal Bhurtel, began their batting innings in what marked their opening match of the tournament. Sudurpashchim entered the contest seeking their first victory after suffering a seven-wicket defeat against Lumbini Lions in their initial game. The team's playing eleven features Saif Zaib, Binod Bhandari as wicketkeeper, Brandon McMullen, Ishan Pandey, captain Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, a foreign recruit, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anil Kharel, Hemant Dhami, and Abinash Bohara. As the match progressed into the 14th over, Pokhara scored 96 runs while losing five wickets. Arjun Gharti remained at the crease during this stage of the innings. Sudurpashchim bowler Anil Kharel claimed three wickets while conceding runs over his three-over spell, helping restrict the opposition's scoring rate. Large crowds of supporters lined up outside the stadium entrance gates before the match began. Groups of spectators chanted in support of both competing teams, displaying enthusiasm for both Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpashchim Royals as fans entered the venue in Kathmandu.