Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Pokhara Avengers suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), going down by 30 runs to Chitwan Rhinos on Friday.
With zero points after four matches, Friday’s results jeopardized Pokhara’s chances of making the playoffs.
Batting first in Match No. 17, the Rhinos scored 151 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, Pokhara were all out for 121 runs in 19 overs.
Captain Sikandar Raza top-scored for Chitwan with a 16-ball 37. Ravi Bopara scored 35 off 28, Arjun Saud made 31 off 27 balls and Dawid Malan contributed a run-a-ball 28. Kushal Malla scored 11 off 13. Other Chitwan batters failed to reach double digits.
Chamika Karunaratne, Bipin Khatri and Kushal Bhurtel each picked up two wickets for Pokhara.
Chasing 152 to register their first win in NPL 2026, Pokhara lost their opener Kushal Bhurtel (4) with just five runs on board. Although Captain Yuvraaj Samra (19) and Arjun Kumal (45) steadied the innings, their middle and lower-order batters failed to make a significant contribution. Except for Kiran Thagunna (13) and Arjun Gharti (12), other Pokhara batters failed to reach double digits.
Rijan Dhakal claimed four wickets for Chitwan, while Kamal Airee picked up three, and Dan Mousley, Mousom Dhakal and Kushal Malla chipped in with a wicket each.
The win boosted Chitwan’s chances of making to the playoffs. The Rhinos have five points from four matches. Pokhara, on the other hand, are the bottom of the table with zero points from four matches.
Defending champions Lumbini Lions take on Kathmandu Gorkhas in Saturday’s only match.
