Kathmandu: Openers Lokesh Bam and Martin Guptill lit up the TU Cricket Stadium with explosive half-centuries as Biratnagar Kings posted a Nepal Premier League (NPL) record total of 220 runs, cruising to a commanding 53-run victory over Pokhara Avengers in their opening match on Tuesday.

Put in to bat first, Bam (72 off 48) and New Zealand star Guptill (61 off 35) forged a superb 132-run stand for the second wicket—the highest for that wicket in NPL history—setting up the platform for Biratnagar’s imposing total.

Their score eclipsed the previous NPL record of 193 runs, also set by Biratnagar in the inaugural edition last December, when they scored 193–8 against Lumbini Lions en route to a two-wicket win.

In bowling, captain Sandeep Lamichhane struck twice in the eighth over, removing James Neesham and Trith Raj Das for ducks, as Biratnagar eventually bowled Pokhara to a 167 in 18.5 overs despite a fighting half-century from skipper Kushal Bhurtel.

Bam, the innings’ top scorer, smashed one four and seven sixes before falling to Bhurtel, caught by Arjun Kumal. Guptill powered three fours and five sixes before Sagar Dhakal dismissed him, with Bhurtel again taking the catch.

Shubham Ranjane provided late fireworks with a blistering 38 off 16 balls, laced with three boundaries and two sixes. Basir Ahamad (23 off 13), opener George Munsey (10 off 6), and Narayan Joshi (unbeaten 11 off 3) chipped in with quick runs to lift the Kings to their record total.

For Pokhara, English pacer Matt Taylor picked up 2–48, while Aasash Chand, Sagar Dhakal and Kushal Bhurtel claimed a wicket each.

Chasing 221, Pokhara lost opener Dinesh Kharel early for seven. But Adam Rossington (39 off 21) and captain Bhurtel (59 off 31) revived the chase with a brisk 76-run partnership for the second wicket.

Rossington, who struck five fours and two sixes, was trapped leg-before by Ranjane and his dismissal triggered a mini collapse. Neesham and Das fell cheaply, leaving Pokhara reeling at 89–4.

Kiran Thagunna (8) and Abishek Tiwari (11) also departed with little impact, while Bhurtel—who hit five fours and four sixes—was dismissed as the seventh wicket, caught by keeper Bam off Marchant de Lange.

Biratnagar’s bowlers shared the spoils with Lamichhane, Pratish GC, Basir Ahamad and De Lange taking two wickets each.

Kathmandu Gurkhas will take on Sudurpaschim Royals in the day’s only fixture on Wednesday, scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM.