Lumbini All-stars has registered a third consecutive win in the Nepal T20 League after a nail-biting finish against Pokhara Avengers in a low-scoring thriller. South African Shadley van Schalkwyk hammered a last-ball six and scored 31 from 11 balls to take Lumbini home.
Chasing a modest total of 134, Lumbini lost Lahiru Milantha in the second over. Kushal Bhurtel (39) and Unmukt Chand (22) added sluggish 56 runs stand for the second wicket. Anil Sah also contributed crucial 19 runs in the middle, but Schalkwyk’s effort sealed the two points for Lumbini. With eight runs required in the decisive over, Pratish GC conceded only three from the first five balls and dismissed Anil Sah, but Schalkwyk smacked six in the final ball.
Earlier, Avengers piled up an average score of 133 runs on the board after being forced to bat first. After having a pitiful start of 27/2 from the first ten overs, they added 106 runs from the last ten overs. Kushal Malla scored 61 runs from just 31 balls, smashing five sixes and fours each. Upul Tharanga made 42 runs from 51 balls.
Van Schalkwyk was the pick of a bowler, grabbing three wickets. Speedsters Gulshan Jha and Kishore Mahato also pocketed two wickets each.
Score Detail:
PA: 133/9 (20 overs)
LAS: 135/7 (20 overs)
Lumbini All Stars won by three wickets.
