Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Chitwan Rhinos closed in on the playoff spot in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a 32-run victory over Janakpur Bolts at the TU International Cricket Grounds on Saturday.
Although Chitwan’s spot in the playoffs is not yet guaranteed, its win on Saturday ended playoff hopes for Biratnagar Kings and Pokhara Avengers.
Janakpur Bolts has already qualified for the playoffs.
Batting first after winning the toss, Chitwan Rhinos scored 180 runs for the loss of five wickets. In reply, Janakpur Bolts folded for 148 runs in the 18th, despite James Neesham’s fastest NPL fifty.
Although Chitwan lost opener Bipin Rawal for just three runs, Hassan Eisakhil and Santosh Karki scored 18 and 14 runs, respectively. Captain Kushal Malla played an attractive knock of 72 off 41 balls, which included three fours and seven sixes. He found support from Ravi Bopara, who scored 44 runs from 32 balls.
Lalit Rajbanshi took two wickets for Janakpur, while Harsh Thaker, Mohammad Mohsin, and James Neesham claimed a wicket each.
Janakpur made a slow start in the chase as it lost opener Anil Sah for eight runs in the very first over of the match. Lahiru Milantha fell in the next over, scoring 1 from 4 balls. Harsh Thaker was also out for six runs. Aasif Sheikh and Shubh Kansakar scored 23 and 15 runs, respectively, before James Neesham threatened to win the match for Janakpur, scoring 65 off 24 balls. Janakpur’s hope of getting a sixth win out of seven ended when James Neesham gave a simple catch Rijan Dhakal off Sohail Tanvir. Mohammad Mohsin hit 13 off 12 balls.
Kushal Malla, Sohail Tanvir, and Rijan Dhakal took two wickets each for Chitwan, while Amar Routela contributed one wicket.
In the first match of the day, Kathmandu Gurkhas defeated Pokhara Avengers by six wickets to keep its playoff hopes alive.
