DPL: Chauraha defeat Challengers, confirm playoff berth

KATHMANDU: Dhangadhi Team Chauraha have secured their berth in the playoff of Ruslan Dhangadhi Premier League Twenty20 Cricket Tournament defeating Rupandehi Challengers by three runs on Saturday. With a narrow defeat at the hands of Sompal Kami led Chauraha, Challengers have concluded their DPL campaign without a single win.

In the only match of the day, which was reduced to the eight overs, Challengers won the toss and invited Chauraha to bat, who then posted 76-7. In reply, veteran Shakti Gauchan's Challengers managed to score 73 runs only in the loss of five wickets in their allotted eight overs.

Due to wet outfield, the first match of the day between CYC Attariya Vs Mahendranagar United was cancelled while the second match was reduced to eight overs. Both Attariya and United shared one point each. Now in the remaining matches of round-robin on Sunday, table topper Kathmandu Goldens will face third-placed United while fourth-placed Birtanagar Kings and fifth-placed Attariya will battle in another match.

Since the Goldens and Chauraha have already secured their berths in playoffs, now the United, Kings and Attariya will fight for the remaining two places.

Meanwhile, only two batsmen managed to score in double figures for Chauraha. Sonu Tamang top-scored with 14-ball 34, which included four sixes and oune four where as opener Rohan Mustafa (15) was other batsman to touch double figures.

Ashfaq Ahmed and Raju Rijal were dimissed without adding a single run for the team while other batsmen including Sunil Dhamala (6), captain Sompal Kami (2) and Rajesh Pulami (9) failed to add significant runs.

Sushan Bhari was pick of the Challengers bowlers as he took 3-14 and he was supported by Dipesh Shrestha who added two wickets. Likewise, Sagar Pun and Shakti Gauchan claimed one wicket each.

Challengers failed to make a desired start to the innings with the openers Pradeep Singh Airee (6) and Siddhant Lohani (3) getting dismissed cheaply. Sagar Pun who came to bat at third number, tried to rescue the ininngs smashing 16-ball 33, cracking three sixes and three fours. But rest of the batsmen failing to add significant runs saw Challengers falling short of the target.

Rohan Mustafa was pick of the Chauraha bowlers taking 2-12 and Lalit Bhandari added another wicket.