Kathmandu: Opener Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill smashed half-centuries as Biratnagar Kings posted a Nepal Premier League (NPL) record total of 220–6 against Pokhara Avengers in their opening match at the TU Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Put in to bat first, Bam (72 off 48) and New Zealand star Guptill (61 off 35) stitched together a commanding 132-run stand for the second wicket, laying the perfect foundation for a massive total.

Biratnagar’s score surpassed the previous NPL record of 193 runs, also set by Biratnagar in the inaugural edition last December, when they made 193–8 against Lumbini Lions on their way to a two-wicket win.

Bam, the top scorer of the innings, slammed one four and seven sixes before Kushal Bhurtel had him caught by Arjun Kumal as the third wicket. Guptill, meanwhile, cracked three fours and five sixes. He fell to Sagar Dhakal with Bhurtel taking the catch.

Shubham Ranjane added late acceleration with a blistering 38 off 16 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes. Basir Ahamad (23 off 13) and opener George Munsey (10 off 6) also made valuable contributions while Narayan Joshi chipped in with an unbeaten 11 off just three deliveries.

For Pokhara, English pacer Matt Taylor returned figures of 2–48 from his four overs, while Aasash Chand, Sagar Dhakal, and Kushal Bhurtel claimed one wicket each.