KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 8
In a thrilling contest between two of Nepal's finest all-rounders, Kushal Malla's Chitwan Rhinos triumphed over Dipendra Singh Airee's Sudur Paschim Royals by 33 runs in the electrifying Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Sunday.
With this victory, the Rhinos not only bounced back from a narrow loss to the Karnali Yaks but also ended the winning streak of the Sudur Paschim Royals.
Rhinos bowled out the Royals for 131 in 18.2 overs, securing a crucial victory to strengthen their position in the race for playoff qualification with three matches remaining.
Seam bowler Rijan Dhakal struck early, removing the in-form Saif Zaib in the second over to deal an early blow to Sudur Paschim Royals. The game turned on its head when Kushal Malla dismissed Binod Bhandari caught and Brandon McMullen bowled in his first over of the spell, leaving the opposition reeling at 45/3 in the fifth over.
Ishan Pandey, who top-scored for his team with 35 runs off 28 balls with a four fours and a six, steadied the innings from one end, but wickets continued to fall at the other, putting the run chase in disarray.
Sudur Paschim Royals' hopes of chasing the total evaporated when their captain, the in-form Dipendra Singh Airee, was caught behind off Loftie-Eaton for a cheap dismissal.
From that point, it was one-way traffic. Rhinos continued to take wickets at regular intervals, eventually dismissing their opponents for 131 runs and securing a comprehensive 33-run victory.
Kushal Malla, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Amar Routela and Rijan Dhakal took two wickets each while Sohail Tanvir and Ranjit Kumar chipped in with a wicket.
Earlier in the innings, Chitwan Rhinos won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a decent total of 164/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opener Hassan Eisakhil, who had been dropped in the previous match, made full use of his opportunity, scoring a composed 65 runs off 52 deliveries, including six fours and three sixes.
Santosh Karki, promoted to open the innings, could not make an impact and was dismissed cheaply for just 9 runs, failing to trouble the scoreboard.
Bipin Rawal contributed 17 runs off 20 balls, including two boundaries. Skipper Kushal Malla played a supporting role to Hassan Eisakhil, rotating the strike effectively, but was dismissed for 13, chopping on to his stumps while attempting to play cut shot in the 17.2 overs, leaving Rhinos at 134/4.
Ravi Bopara, however, had other plans. He kept the scoreboard ticking with a fiery knock of 36 runs off just 18 balls, which included two sixes and two fours.
Amar Routela finished the innings with a delightful dilscoup shot, adding salt to the Royals' wounds, as they conceded 16 extras in total.
Scott Kuggeleijn claimed two wickets, while Brandon McMullen, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Saif Zaib each took one wicket.
Later, Royals batsman Hassan Eisakhil was adjudged man-of-the-match for his measured innings of 65 runs.
Post-match press conference:
Rhinos skipper Kushal Malla said, "We aim to win every game, and the bowlers delivered for us today." When asked about the leg-spinner making a name for himself, he responded, "It's moments like these that matter. It's a 20-over game, and my single over can't define the match," Malla said with a wry smile. "We didn't have a specific score in mind, but the plan was to bat until the end." Speaking about Hassan, Malla praised, "He is a very good batsman who needs to remain calm and spend more time at the crease."
Similarly, Hassan who wasd declared man of the match said, "I wasn't part of the last game, but that's part of the game. I came back strongly, and I'm happy to contribute to the team's victory. More importantly, I want to dedicate this 'Man of the Match' award to my mom."
Brad Hodge to leave Sudur Paschim Royals:
Speaking to the media, Australian batting legend Brad Hodge, who also serves as the mentor for Sudur Paschim Royals in the Nepal Premier League, stated, "It's unfortunate that I'm leaving the Royals with a defeat. It has been a great experience and an honor to work with such promising Nepali players."
He added, "I've thoroughly enjoyed tasting local Nepali cuisine, visiting temples around the city, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people. I'm leaving with fond memories of this incredible experience."
When asked about his outlook on Nepali cricket, Hodge expressed optimism, saying, "Nepali cricket is on an upward trajectory. Tournaments like this will take it to new heights. I wouldn't be surprised if Nepal qualifies for the next edition of the T20 World Cup. Nepali cricket is definitely heading in the right direction."
Upcoming matches:
With no games scheduled for tomorrow, Chitwan Rhinos will aim to extend their winning streak against Lumbini Lions, who are still searching for their first victory, in the opening match on Tuesday.
In the second fixture of the day, Karnali Yaks will face off against the resurgent Pokhara Avengers. Both matches will take place at the TU Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.
Points table:
Janakpur Bolts sit atop the eight-team table with eight points, having secured four consecutive victories. Sudur Paschim Royals occupy second place with six points, edged ahead of Chitwan Rhinos on a superior run rate, who also have six points.
Karnali Yaks have accumulated four points from two wins in their four matches. Meanwhile, Lumbini Lions remain at the bottom, yet to secure a win after four games.
