Kathmandu Gurkhas achieved a disappointing target of 112 runs against Chitwan Rhinos in the second game of the Nepal Premier League at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Monday.
Chitwan’s choice to bowl first yielded immediate results, as Sohail Tanvir dismissed opener Stephen Eskinazi for only two runs in the opening over. Tanvir kept causing chaos, removing Michael Levitt (25 off 16) in the fourth over after Levitt’s short comeback that included four boundaries and a six.
Sumit Maharjan attempted to stabilize the innings with a tough 29 off 41 balls but received no backing as wickets fell consistently. Gerhard Erasmus (4) and Bhim Sharki (1) were dismissed quickly, leaving Kathmandu in disarray at 34-4 during the powerplay.
Shankar Rana’s 16 runs from 17 balls gave a hint of optimism, but Amar Routela’s accurate bowling led to his exit. Dan Douthwaite contributed 19 runs off 18 balls near the end, but the Gurkhas could only muster 111-9 in their 20 overs.
Tanvir’s 5-21 stood out in the innings, supported by tight bowling from Amar Routela (1-9) and Rijan Dhakal (1-22) that maintained the pressure.
