Kathmandu, November 6
Chitwan Rhinos handed Pokhara Avengers their fourth consecutive defeat in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), securing a 30-run victory after bowling them out for 121 while defending a target of 152.
Batting first, Chitwan posted 151/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Ravi Bopara and captain Sikandar Raza making valuable contributions.
Arjun Saud provided a steady start with 31 off 27 balls, while Dawid Malan added 28 off 28 deliveries. The pair put Chitwan in a decent position with a 60-run opening partnership.
Bopara then scored 35 off 28 balls before Raza provided the late acceleration with a blistering 37 off just 16 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes.
For Pokhara, Bipin Khatri, Chamika Karunaratne and Kushal Bhurtel claimed two wickets each.
In reply, Pokhara struggled from the outset, losing captain Bhurtel for four in the opening over. Yuvraaj Samra made 19 off 14 balls, but the Avengers continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Arjun Kumal offered some resistance with 45 off 44 deliveries, hitting three fours and a six. However, he received little support from the other batters as Pokhara’s chase lost momentum.
Kamal Airee led Chitwan’s bowling attack with three wickets for just seven runs in two overs, while Rijan Dhakal delivered an impressive spell, claiming four wickets for 24 runs in his four overs.
Dan Mousley and Mousom Dhakal picked up one wicket each, while Kushal Malla also claimed a wicket.
Pokhara were eventually bowled out for 121 in 19 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target.
The defeat marked Pokhara’s fourth consecutive loss in the tournament, adding to their struggles in the ongoing NPL campaign. Chitwan, meanwhile, secured an important victory through a disciplined performance with both bat and ball.
