Bhim Sharki’s Explosive 50 Lifts Kathmandu to 165 Against Pokhara Avengers

Kathmandu Gorkhas recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive 165/8 against Pokhara Avengers in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at Kirtipur on Tuesday. The innings was built around two crucial performances—Ben Charlesworth’s composed 64 and Bhim Sharki’s explosive fifty, which revived Kathmandu after a difficult first half.

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Kathmandu struggle early after losing two wickets inside six overs

Pokhara Avengers won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that paid early dividends as Kathmandu failed to utilize the powerplay. They managed only 31/2 in the first 6 overs, losing opener Aakash Tripathi for a golden duck in the very first over off Dhananjaya Lakshan.

Kathmandu’s troubles deepened when Rasid Khan fell in the fifth over, caught by Sandeep Chettri off Lakshan again, leaving the scoreboard at 21/2.

Milind Kumar tried to stabilize the innings but managed only 13 before captain Kushal Bhurtel dismissed him, dragging Kathmandu to 56/3 at the halfway mark.

Charlesworth holds one end as wickets continue to fall

The collapse continued as Jon Simpson fell for a two-ball duck—caught and bowled by Bhurtel—followed shortly by Adil Alam, removed for 7 by Kiran Thagunna. At 79/5, Kathmandu were in danger of posting a below-par total.

But opener Ben Charlesworth remained steady, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 64 off 55 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes. His resilience kept Kathmandu in the contest while wickets fell around him.

Bhim Sharki turns the innings around with a fiery 19-ball fifty

The turning point came when Bhim Sharki walked in and produced one of the most impactful knocks of Kathmandu’s NPL campaign. Displaying aggression from the start, Bhim smashed 55 off just 23 balls, hitting 5 fours and 4 sixes to change the momentum completely.

His aggressive approach lifted Kathmandu’s scoring rate dramatically. Bhim and Charlesworth combined for an outstanding 76-run partnership for the sixth wicket, breathing life back into the innings.

Charlesworth eventually fell for 64 to Bipin Khatri, but Bhim continued the onslaught before being dismissed by Lakshan after a rapid fifty.

Kathmandu added 65 runs in the final 5 overs, transforming what looked like a modest total into a competitive one.

Lakshan leads Pokhara’s bowling with 4 wickets

Pokhara’s bowlers were disciplined early but struggled once Bhim switched gears.

Dhananjaya Lakshan was the standout performer with figures of 4 wickets for just 16 runs, including a maiden over. Kushal Bhurtel chipped in with 2 wickets, while Kiran Thagunna and Sagar Dhakal kept things tight.

Kathmandu set Pokhara a target of 166

Thanks to the late acceleration, Kathmandu Gorkhas finished at 165/8, giving their bowlers a competitive total to defend. A win in this match is crucial for Kathmandu’s push toward the playoffs.

Later today, Sudurpashchim Royals will take on Chitwan Rhinos in the second match of the day.