Kathmandu: Two-time runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals bounced back with a convincing six-wicket win over Pokhara Avengers in the Nepal Premier League at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, Wednesday.

Opting to bowl first, the Royals restricted Kushal Bhurtel-led Avengers to 145-7, courtesy of a three-wicket haul from Anil Kharel. Chasing the target, skipper Dipendra Singh Airee slammed an unbeaten half-century, including a winning six, as the Royals reached 148-4 in 16.5 overs.

The Royals had suffered a humiliating seven-wicket defeat to defending champions Lumbini Lions in the opening match, losing in just 9.5 overs, while the Avengers were playing their first game of the NPL 3 campaign.

Dipendra and Ishan Pandey shared a 74-run partnership for the fourth wicket, laying the foundation for victory. Dipendra, who also captains Nepal’s ODI team, struck four boundaries and two sixes in his 36-ball knock.

Pandey scored 37 off 31 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes, before being trapped lbw by Mahedi Hasan.

Brandon McMullen (22 off 12 balls) and opener Saif Zaib (15 off 16) were the other notable contributors for the Royals.

Dhananjaya Lakshan, Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan picked up a wicket each for the Avengers.

Earlier, lower-order batter Arjun Gharti top-scored for the Avengers with an unbeaten 40 off 25 balls. Batting at number eight, he struck four boundaries and a six.

Opener Mahedi Hasan (32 off 21 balls), captain Kushal (21 off 17) and Shakib Al Hasan (14 off 16) were other notable contributors for the Avengers.

Anil Kharel was the pick of the bowlers for the Royals, claiming 3-23 in his three-over spell. Hemant Dhami, Scott Kuggeleijn and Dipendra also claimed a wicket each.