Chitwan Rhinos achieved a commanding 87-run win against Pokhara Avengers in the second match of the current Nepal Premier League at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Tuesday.
Sent to bat first, Chitwan set a tough target of 162 runs, which Pokhara was unable to chase, getting bowled out for just 74 in 13.2 overs—the lowest score in this year’s tournament to date.
Pokhara’s batting began with a terrible outcome, losing six wickets for only seven runs in just four overs. Sohail Tanveer made an impact in the first over, taking three wickets, among them Pokhara captain Kushal Bhurtel for a golden duck. Rijan Dhakal struck again with a hat-trick in the fourth over, leaving the Avengers stunned.
Narayan Joshi led the scoring for Pokhara with a determined 30 runs from 24 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes.
For Chitwan, Tanveer, Dhakal, and Luc Benkenstein all took three wickets, while Deepak Bohora secured one.
Earlier, Chitwan’s batting display was anchored by Ravi Bopara’s 51 from 38 balls, aided by captain Kushal Malla, who struck 38 off 23 balls, including four sixes. The duo’s 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket was crucial after Chitwan had slipped to 46-3 during the powerplay.
Raymon Reifer and Bas de Leede took two wickets each for Pokhara, while Sagar Dhakal contributed one to his count.
The victory positions Chitwan favorably in the league, after their previous win against Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets. Pokhara aims to bounce back swiftly from this humiliating loss as the tournament continues.
