Kathmandu Gorkhas managed to defend 165 for 8 and beat Pokhara Avengers by 13 runs in a tense finish at Kirtipur, securing their place in the playoffs of the Nepal Premier League 2025. After being invited to bat first, Gorkhas lost early wickets — Aakash Tripathi fell for a duck and Rashid Khan followed soon after — leaving them struggling at 21 for 2.

Ben Charlesworth held the innings together with a composed 64 off 55 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. In the lower middle order, Bhim Sharki played a match-defining cameo, scoring 55 off just 23 deliveries with five fours and four sixes. Their partnership powered a late surge from 79/5 to a defendable total of 165/8.

Pokhara Avengers started their chase with hope, but early wickets put them under pressure. While Rishi Dhawan fought valiantly with 54 off 31 balls to keep the chase alive, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to maintain momentum. After Dhawan's dismissal in the 19th over, the innings fell apart, and the Avengers were bowled out for 152.

Shahab Alam was the star with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 25 runs, including a hat-trick in the final overs, triggering a dramatic collapse that secured victory for Gorkhas.

Match Summary – NPL 2025, Match 23

Kathmandu Gorkhas defended 165/8 to beat Pokhara Avengers by 13 runs at Kirtipur, securing their playoff spot. Early setbacks left the Gorkhas in trouble, but Charlesworth and Sharki's contributions lifted the total. Pokhara Avengers' fightback led by Dhawan wasn't enough against Shahab Alam's devastating bowling.

Match Facts

Venue: TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Result: Kathmandu Gorkhas won by 13 runs

Player of the Match: Shahab Alam (6/25, hat-trick)

Kathmandu Gorkhas – 165/8 (20 overs)

Ben Charlesworth: 64 (55)

Bhim Sharki: 55 (23)

Aakash Tripathi: 0

Rashid Khan: 5

Shahab Alam: 2*

Pokhara Avengers – 152 all out (19.3 overs)

Rishi Dhawan: 54 (31)

Other notable contributions: 22, 18

Shahab Alam: 6/25 (4 overs)

For full coverage of the tournament, schedules, and team details, visit our NPL 2025 Schedule and Fixtures.