Biratnagar Kings secured a dominant 51-run win against Chitwan Rhinos in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Friday.
Biratnagar chose to bat first after winning the toss, but their choice was swiftly challenged as they lost wickets early on. Lokesh Bam was out for a duck in the first over, and Dipak Bohara quickly followed with four runs. The Kings found themselves in significant trouble at 4-2 during the first over.
Scott Edwards couldn’t make a difference, getting out for a golden duck, leaving Biratnagar struggling at 10-3. Nonetheless, Martin Guptill (45 from 35 balls) and Basir Ahamad (68 not out from 44 balls) stabilized the innings with an important 88-run collaboration. Ahamad’s explosive batting, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, provided the Kings with the crucial momentum they required.
The duo led Biratnagar to a score of 98-4 by the 14th over. Ahamad and Rajesh Pulami (33 not out from 20 balls) then struck a series of boundaries, scoring 83 runs together without losing a wicket in rapid succession. Pulami’s quick strike secured Biratnagar a strong total of 181-5 in 20 overs.
In pursuit of 182, Chitwan began poorly. Hassan Eisakhil was dismissed lbw by Basir Ahamad for 5 runs, and Santosh Karki (28 from 25 balls) was taken by Basir off Sandeep Lamichhane, putting the Rhinos at 56-2. Ravi Bopara’s exit for 20 runs off 24 balls, bowled out by Subash Bhandari, hampered Chitwan’s advancement.
Kushal Malla (25) was dismissed by Chris Sole, leaving the Rhinos at 64-4 during the 11th over. Basil Hameed was out for 1, placing Chitwan at 64/5. Amar Routela made a resilient innings of 42 runs from 29 deliveries but was unable to guide his team to victory. Once he was out at 129-6, the outcome was confirmed.
Chitwan ended with a score of 130-6, missing the target by 51 runs. The bowlers of Biratnagar, spearheaded by Lamichhane and Ahamad, maintained pressure during the chase, securing an easy win.
This marks Biratnagar’s second victory in the NPL. This win has allowed Biratnagar to collect 4 points from six games, maintaining their faint chances of reaching the playoffs.
Conversely, Chitwan experienced their third loss in six games, severely impacting their chances of making the playoffs. Chitwan stays in fourth position with six points achieved from six games.
