Chitwan Rhinos hand Biratnagar first defeat in NPL

KATHMANDU: Chitwan Rhinos handed Biratnagar Kings their first defeat of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), securing a convincing 48-run win at the TU International Cricket Grounds in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Put into bat after losing the toss, Chitwan posted a competitive 174 runs for the loss of five wickets, powered by Ravi Bopara’s third consecutive half-century of the tournament. In reply, Biratnagar folded for 126 runs as only their three batters managed to reach double digits.

Although Chitwan lost both openers, Deepak Bohara (5) and Dawid Malan (17), cheaply, their middle order staged a strong recovery led by Ravi Bopara’s impressive 65 off 38 balls. Dev Khanal made 28 off 22 deliveries, Saif Zaib added 32 off 30, and captain Kushal Malla chipped in with 20 off 14.

Marchant de Lange and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed two wickets each for Biratnagar, while Shubham Ranjane picked up one.

Biratnagar’s chase faltered early as they slipped to 12 for 2 after losing Lokesh Bam (7) and George Munsey (4) by the third over. Their top and middle order struggled as only Sam Heazlett showed some resistance with a brisk 22 off 11 balls. Lower-order batters provided some late fireworks for Biratnagar, with de Lange smashing 39 and Pratish GC stealing 30 off just 12 balls. However, they were eventually bundled out for 126 in 16.5 overs.

Ranjit Kumar, playing his first match of the season, claimed five wickets for Chitwan, while Kamal Airee claimed two. Shoaib Tanvir, Saif Zaib, and Kushal Malla each took one wicket.

With the result, Biratnagar remain on six points from four matches, while Chitwan move to four points from three games.

Thursday’s Fixtures:
Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim
Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers