Kathmandu: English batsman Adam Rossington hammered a magnificent century as Pokhara Avengers thumped Karnali Yaks by 34 runs in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), securing a much-needed win to keep their playoff hopes alive at the TU Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter smashed an unbeaten 108 off 58 balls— the second century of the ongoing franchise league and third overall in the NPL—as the Avengers piled up 201-2. They then bowled out the Yaks, who had opted to field first, for 167 in 19 overs.

With his maiden T20 century, Rossington became the second player to reach triple figures this season after Biratnagar’s Mark Watt (108 not out against the Avengers). Andries Gous (104 not out) had scored the first-ever NPL century last year for Avengers against Lumbini Lions.

The Avengers’ leapfrogged to fourth from bottom of the standings on net run rate with four points from five matches. With only one win from six games, the Yaks became the first team to exit from the playoff race with just two points from six games in the eight-team contest.

Rossington struck 11 fours and seven sixes and shared a 127-run stand for the second wicket with Jason Roy, who contributed a vital 46 off 34 balls, hitting two boundaries and three sixes. Dhananjaya Lakshan added an unbeaten 23 off 11 as the Avengers crossed the 200-run mark. Captain Kushal Bhurtel was the first to fall for 18.

For the Yaks, Nandan Yadav and Mark Watt claimed one wicket each.

Chasing a daunting target, the Yaks lost wickets at regular intervals despite a fighting half-century from opener Watt. The all-rounder struck 59 off 34 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes, before being caught by Trith Raj Das off Kiran Thagunna.

Najibullah Zadran (24), Pawan Sarraf (19), Priyank Panchal (16), captain Sompal Kami (13), Dipendra Rawat (10) and Gulshan Jha (9) chipped in but failed to mount a sustained challenge.

Rishi Dhawan and Dhananjaya Lakshan starred with the ball for the Avengers, picking up three wickets each. Dhawan conceded 37 runs and Lakshan 31 from their four overs apiece.

Biratnagar Kings will take on Lumbini Lions in Wednesday’s only fixture at 4:00 PM.