KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 18
Chitwan Rhinos and Biratnagar Kings secured comprehensive victories at the TU Cricket Stadium on Tuesday during the ongoing Nepal Premier League.
The Rhinos defeated Karnali Yaks by four wickets, successfully chasing 167 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a composed 52-run innings from Ravi Bopara, who was later adjudged Man of the Match for his match-winning performance. Saif Zaib contributed a quick 38 off just 16 balls, while skipper Kushal Malla added 20 runs.
In the second match of the day, Biratnagar Kings thrashed Pokhara Avengers by 53 runs under the lights.
Sent in to bat by Pokhara, the Kings posted a massive total of 220/6 in 20 overs. Lokesh Bam, who had survived two early chances off Sagar Dhakal in the powerplay, punished the Avengers with a whirlwind 70 off 48 balls, including seven sixes and a four. Bam and Martin Guptill set the tone with a first-wicket partnership of 132, with Guptill contributing 61 off 35 balls, including three boundaries and five sixes. Shubham Ranjane finished the innings in style with 38 off just 16 balls.
In response, Kushal Bhurtel and Adam Rossington shared a 76-run opening stand. However, the game turned in the Kings' favor after Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed James Neesham for a golden duck, caught off his own bowling, and then cleaned up Trit Raj Das for a duck in the same over. Bhurtel fought a lone battle with 59 off 31 balls, hitting five boundaries and four sixes, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. Lower-order batsman Matt Taylor added 29 runs, which proved insufficient to avert defeat.
Tomorrow's only fixture will see Kathmandu Gurkhas face Sudur Paschim Royals in a day/night encounter at the TU Cricket Ground.
