Karnali Yaks have secured their place in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs in the eliminator match on Wednesday, December 18, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. With this loss, Rhinos have been eliminated from the playoffs.
Chasing a target of 176 runs set by Yaks, Rhinos managed to score only 154 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Ravi Bopara was the top scorer for Rhinos with 53 runs, while captain Kushal Malla contributed 21 runs. Bipin Rawal scored 18, Luc Benkenstein added 16, and Sharad Vesawkar made 10 runs. Other players failed to reach double figures. The team also benefited from 7 extra runs.
Zeeshan Maqsood was the standout bowler for Yaks, claiming 3 wickets. Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav supported well, taking 2 wickets each.
Earlier, Yaks, who batted first after Rhinos won the toss and elected to field, posted a total of 175 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs.
Jaykishan Kolsawala and William Bosisto laid a solid foundation with crucial half-centuries. Kolsawala scored 53 runs, while Bosisto added 52. Chadwick Walton remained not out, contributing 46 runs. Zeeshan Maqsood chipped in with 14 runs, and Dev Khanal made 3. The team also gained 7 extra runs.
For Rhinos, Sohail Tanvir took 2 wickets. Sharad Vesawkar, Ravi Bopara, and Kushal Malla claimed 1 wicket each.
The Yaks will now face the losing team from Qualifier 1, a match between Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts, currently underway at the same venue, to secure a spot in the final. The victor of the first qualifier will directly advance to the final.
The NPL champion will receive a cash prize of NPR 11 million, with the runner-up awarded NPR 5.1 million. Teams finishing third and fourth will receive NPR 2.5 million and NPR 1.5 million, respectively.
The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, December 21.
