KATHMANDU, Dec 3: Chitwan Rhinos have secured their consecutive victory in Nepal Premier League (NPL). Rhinos registered an impressive 87-run victory over Pokhara Avengers at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur.
Pokhara Avengers struggled with their batting while chasing the formidable target of 162 runs. Sohail Tanvir and Rijan Dhakal provided sharp bowling, taking three wickets each in a single over, and as a result, Avengers were all-out for just 74 runs in 13.2 overs. Captain Kushal Bhurtel and Bas de Leede were both out for a golden duck, while Michael Leask failed to open his account either. Dilip Nath was out for four runs, and Dinesh Kharel, Kiran Thagunna, and Raymon Reifer contributed just one run each.
Bowlers, Hayat secure first win for Chitwan Rhinos
Pokhara lost 7 wickets while scoring 17 runs in 6.2 overs. Marcus Critchle and Narayan Joshi shared a 30 runs partnership for the eighth wicket, but it was not enough. Crichley was out for 17 runs after being trapped LBW. Joshi scored 30 runs off 24 balls, hitting 2 sixes and 3 fours. Bipin Khatri added 9 runs. Luc Benkenstein took three wickets, while Deepak Bohara took one.
After losing the toss and being invited to bat first, Chitwan Rhinos scored 161 runs, losing 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Ravi Bopara scored a half-century for Chitwan, scoring 51 runs off 38 balls, hitting 3 fours and 3 sixes. Captain Kushal Malla scored 38 runs off 23 balls, hitting 1 four and four sixes. On behalf of Pokhara, Raymon Reifer, Bipin Khatri and Bas de Leede took 2 wickets each.
Chitwan Rhinos defeated Kathmandu Gurkhas in their first match, while Pokhara played their first game today. Similarly, In another match on Tuesday, Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Biratnagar Kings by 90 runs.