Chitwan Rhinos defeated table-toppers Janakpur Bolts by 32 runs in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), bolstering their playoff chances while simultaneously eliminating Pokhara Avengers and Biratnagar Kings from contention.
Sudurpaschim Royals, Chitwan Rhinos, and Karnali Yaks each have eight points but rank second, third, and fourth, respectively, based on net run rate. The Bolts remain at the top with 10 points, having secured their playoff berth.
While the Bolts and Rhinos have played seven matches each, the Yaks and Royals have one and two games left, respectively. Kathmandu Gurkhas, in fifth place with six points, must win their final match against Biratnagar Kings on Sunday, December 15, to stay in the race. A loss would eliminate them, joining the Kings, Avengers, and Lumbini Lions—who were the first team to bow out of the tournament.
Even with victories in their remaining matches, the Kings and Avengers can only reach six points, insufficient to qualify for the playoffs.
The tournament, featuring eight teams, follows a round-robin format where each team plays the others once. The top four teams advance to the playoffs.
In Saturday's match at the Tribhuvan University International Ground in Kirtipur, the Rhinos posted a commanding 180/5 after opting to bat first. Kushal Malla led with a blistering 72 off 41 balls, supported by Ravi Bopara's 44 and Hassan Eisakhil's 28. Lalit Rajbanshi took two wickets for Janakpur, while Harsh Thaker, Mohammed Mohsin, and James Neesham claimed one each.
In response, the Bolts managed only 148 runs in 18 overs, despite a valiant effort by James Neesham, who smashed 65 off 24 balls. Rijan Dhakal, Sohail Tanvir, and Kushal Malla each took two wickets for the Rhinos, with Amar Routela chipping in with one.
In the second match on Sunday, the Avengers will face the Royals. A win for the Royals will secure their playoff spot, further intensifying the battle for the final positions.
