Lamichhane's six for 27, with a hat-trick, keeps Biratnagar in the playoff race

Biratnagar Kings beat Pokhara Avengers by four wickets on Thursday in the first game of the day at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. It was Match 22 of NPL Season 3.

Biratnagar have won three of six, and are fourth with 6 points. The Kathmandu Post says they're still in the playoff race. Pokhara have lost five of six and are out.

Lamichhane's six

Pokhara won the toss and chose to bat. They were 11 for 2 in the second over, but Yuvraaj Samra made 84 off 47, with seven fours and five sixes.

Sandeep Lamichhane took Arjun Gharti, Sunny BK and Ramesh Mendis, and Pokhara were 76 for 5. Then, in the 15th over, Samra was caught at point by Isuru Udana. Lamichhane trapped Chamika Karunaratne and Kiran Thagunna lbw with the next two balls. It's the first hat-trick of the season.

Pokhara went from 122 for 5 to 122 for 8 and were all out for 132 in 17.5 overs. Lamichhane finished with six for 27 from his four overs. The Post says he's the first bowler to take five in an innings this season, after one wicket in his first five games.

Udana sees it home

Biratnagar were 19 for 2 in the fourth over. Lokesh Bam made 33 off 27, and the Post says he was dropped three times. Basir Ahamad made 37 off 39.

Biratnagar were 105 for 6 when Basir was bowled in the 17th over. Shehan Jayasuriya (17 not out) and Udana (25 not out off 12) got them home with four balls left. Udana came in for Andre Russell.

Kushal Bhurtel took two for 21 in his four overs, with a maiden.

Lamichhane was player of the match.

The scorecard and the points table are on the match page.