Sudurpaschim Royals Register First Win – Beat Pokhara by 6 Wickets
Kirtipur, Kathmandu — Two days after suffering a bruising opening-night collapse, last season’s runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals roared back to life in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3, defeating the Pokhara Avengers by six wickets under the floodlights at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
The Nepal Premier League is Nepal’s premier professional Twenty20 cricket tournament governed by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Chasing a competitive target of 146 runs, Sudurpaschim rode a sensational captain’s knock from Dipendra Singh Airee to finish on 148 for four in just 16.5 overs, crossing the line with a towering six and 19 deliveries to spare to collect their first two points of the 2026 campaign in commanding style.
- Fixture: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Pokhara Avengers (Match 4, NPL Season 3)
- Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
- Result: Sudurpaschim Royals won by 6 wickets (chased 146 in 16.5 overs)
- Player of the Match: Dipendra Singh Airee (51* off 36 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes)
- Key Partnership: 74 runs for the 4th wicket between Dipendra Singh Airee and Ishan Pandey
Disciplined Royals Bowling Restricts Pokhara Avengers to 145/7
After winning the toss and electing to field first in Wednesday evening’s fourth match of the tournament, Sudurpaschim’s bowling unit showed far greater discipline and tactical control than in Monday’s tournament opener, where the Royals were skittled out for 87 by defending champions Lumbini Lions.
Facing a dangerous Pokhara batting lineup headlined by Nepal national team opener Kushal Bhurtel and world-renowned Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Sudurpaschim seamers and spinners executed tight lines throughout the middle overs. By claiming wickets at pivotal intervals, the Royals restricted the Pokhara Avengers to 145 for seven from their full allocation of 20 overs.
Dipendra Singh Airee (51*) and Ishan Pandey Rescue Chase from 56/3
Pursuing 146 for victory, Sudurpaschim’s top order initially wobbled under intense pressure. Pokhara’s bowlers struck three rapid blows to reduce the Royals to a precarious 56 for three in the eighth over, briefly triggering anxieties of another batting collapse among the Kirtipur supporters.
That was the exact juncture where national team star and Royals skipper Dipendra Singh Airee seized complete command. Stepping to the wicket with calm determination, the hard-hitting all-rounder counter-attacked purposefully alongside left-handed batter Ishan Pandey. Together, the duo stitched together an unbroken 74-run partnership for the fourth wicket that dismantled Pokhara’s spin and seam attack.
Airee remained unbeaten on a scintillating 51 not out from 36 deliveries, striking four boundaries and two massive sixes. The decisive blow arrived on the fifth delivery of the 17th over (16.5), when Airee launched opposite captain Kushal Bhurtel over the deep midwicket boundary to lift Sudurpaschim to 148 for four and seal the six-wicket win with authority.
Key Match Takeaways & Points Table Impact
According to official scorecards ratified by the tournament technical committee, the six-wicket triumph carries vital ramifications for the NPL Season 3 standings:
- Scorecard Summary: Pokhara Avengers 145/7 (20.0 overs) lost to Sudurpaschim Royals 148/4 (16.5 overs) by 6 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Dipendra Singh Airee (51* off 36 balls; 74-run stand with Ishan Pandey).
- Net Run Rate Boost: Finishing the chase in just 16.5 overs provides Sudurpaschim Royals with an essential boost to their Net Run Rate (NRR) following their Match 1 loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Sudurpaschim Royals vs Pokhara Avengers match?
Pokhara Avengers scored 145/7 in 20 overs. Sudurpaschim Royals successfully chased down the target, scoring 148/4 in 16.5 overs to win by six wickets.
Who was awarded Player of the Match?
Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee won Player of the Match honors for his unbeaten 51 off 36 deliveries and leadership in the middle order.
What was the turning point in the second innings?
The 74-run fourth-wicket partnership between Dipendra Singh Airee and Ishan Pandey completely shifted momentum after Sudurpaschim slipped to 56/3.
Where are Nepal Premier League matches played?
All matches of the Nepal Premier League Season 3 are hosted at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
