Chitwan Rhinos claimed an emphatic 87-run victory over Pokhara Avengers in the fifth match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Tuesday, December 3, marking their second consecutive win in the tournament.
Batting first after losing the toss, the Rhinos posted a competitive total of 161/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite losing key top-order wickets before the end of the powerplay, the team managed to recover, thanks to standout performances from Ravi Bopara, who top-scored with 51 off 38 balls, including three fours and three sixes, and captain Kushal Malla, who added a brisk 38 off 23 balls.
For the Avengers, Bipin Khatri, Bas de Leede, and Raymon Reifer each claimed two wickets, while Sagar Dhakal picked up one.
The Avengers' reply quickly turned disastrous. They suffered a catastrophic collapse, losing six wickets for just seven runs in four overs. Sohail Tanvir, the Player of the Match from the Rhinos' previous game, delivered another stellar performance, dismantling the Avengers' top order with a fiery spell. In his first over, he dismissed opener Kushal Bhurtel, Dilip Nath, and Bas de Leede.
Rijan Dhakal compounded the Avengers’ woes with another impressive spell, taking three wickets. Spinner Luc Benkenstein later joined the action, also claiming three wickets to leave the Avengers in tatters.
Only Narayan Joshi (30 off 24) and Marcus Critchley (17 off 16) managed to reach double figures as the team was bowled out for a mere 74 in 13.2 overs.
This victory follows the Rhinos’ win over the Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets on Monday, solidifying their strong start to the tournament.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Sudurpaschim Royals secured a commanding win over the Biratnagar Kings in the fourth match of the tournament.
On Wednesday, the Karnali Yaks will face the Kathmandu Gurkhas in the morning, while the Biratnagar Kings will take on the Lumbini Lions later in the day at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
