Kathmandu, November 9
Kathmandu Gorkhas defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 10 runs in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defending a target of 181 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.
Batting first, Kathmandu posted 180 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a half-century from Rashid Khan and valuable contributions from Sahan Arachchige and William Bosisto.
Rashid top-scored with 52 off 30 balls, striking two fours and four sixes. He shared a crucial partnership with Bosisto, who scored 27 off 22 deliveries.
Arachchige added 33 off 20 balls, while captain Karan KC provided a late boost with 20 off just seven deliveries, including three sixes. Santosh Yadav also contributed an unbeaten eight off two balls.
For Chitwan, Rijan Dhakal was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for just 14 runs in four overs. Sikandar Raza and Kamal Airee took two wickets each, while Dan Mousley picked up one.
In reply, Chitwan Rhinos finished on 170 for seven in their 20 overs, falling 10 runs short of the target.
Ravi Bopara top-scored with 55 off 35 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes. Dan Mousley contributed 29 off 32 deliveries, while Kamil Mishara made a quickfire 28 off just 11 balls. Arjun Saud added 23.
Chitwan appeared to remain in contention through Bopara and Mousley’s partnership, but Kathmandu’s bowlers kept the scoring in check during the closing overs.
Sahan Arachchige was the pick of Kathmandu’s bowlers, taking two wickets for 37 runs. Kamal Airee, Rijan Dhakal and Sikandar Raza had earlier played key roles in restricting Kathmandu’s batting.
The victory gave Kathmandu Gorkhas two valuable points, while Chitwan Rhinos were left to rue a narrow defeat despite Bopara’s half-century.
