KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gorkhas secured a playoff berth after defeating the Pokhara Avengers by 13 runs in today’s first final league match.

Chasing 166, Pokhara were bowled out for 152 in 20 overs.

Shahab Alam starred with a match-winning six wickets for 25 from four overs. Karan KC and Sunny Patel added two wickets each.

Pokhara’s chase faltered despite Rishi Dhawan’s 54 off 31 and Dhananjaya Lakshan’s 30 off 27. Only Kushal Bhurtel (22) and Jason Roy (16) reached double digits among the rest.

Earlier, Kathmandu posted 165 for eight after being sent in. Ben Charlesworth made 64 off 55, and Bhim Sharki hammered 55 off 23.

Pokhara’s Kushal Bhurtel and Dhananjaya Lakshan took two wickets apiece.