Pokhara is the same team that managed to defeat Lumbini Lions by 10 wickets two games later. That too for 176 runs for no wickets. Andre Gauss made history by scoring an unbeaten 104 runs in this match, scoring the first century in the NPL.
What you should know
Last season, Pokhara Avengers lost 7 wickets after scoring 17 runs in the seventh over against Chitwan Rhinos. In that match, Pokhara could only manage 74 runs. That score became the second lowest in the NPL. After losing by 84 runs at 17-7, Pokhara coach Rajiv Kumar was saying that there was no place lower than that.
Pokhara is the same team that managed to defeat Lumbini Lions by 10 wickets two games later. That too by losing 176 runs without a wicket. Andre Gauss made the history of the first century of the NPL by scoring an unbeaten 104 runs in this match.
Even if we look at the Pokhara team now, it is difficult to predict the team's performance. To get Pokhara out of this situation, captain Kushal Bhurtel needs to show restraint with the bat. Last year, the NPL was a forgettable tournament for him with the bat. Dinesh Kharel, Tritaraj Das, Arjun Kumal and Abhishek Tiwari need to find a rhythm in the batting.
The arrival of Jimmy Nisam will give great hope to Pokhara supporters. He comes from the champion team Janakpur. But it is doubtful that he will play the entire match of the tournament. Anyway, Nisam is a player who can bring a 'winning flavor' to Pokhara. Raymon Reifer can also make an impact due to Devrehat's fast bowling. Dan Douthwaite, who came from Kathmandu Gorkhaz, is an expert at hitting big shots in the middle order. He did not get much opportunity from Gorkhaz last season.
Who is in the team?
Kushal Bhurtel (captain), Sagar Dhakal, Akash Chand, Kiran Thagunna, Tritaraj Das, Bipin Khatri, Arjun Kumal, Dinesh Kharel, Abhishek Tiwari, Krishna Poudel, Sandeep KC, Adam Rossington, Raymon Reifer, Dan Douthwaite, Jimmy Neesam.
