Biratnagar Kings delivered a commanding performance on Friday, defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 51 runs at the TU International Cricket Ground in the Nepal Cricket League. The victory not only boosted Biratnagar’s campaign but also placed Chitwan in a precarious position, making their final group stage match against Janakpur Bolts a must-win encounter to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Early Collapse for Biratnagar Kings
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Biratnagar found themselves in trouble early on. Rijan Dhakal’s fiery first over dismantled their top order, dismissing Lokesh Bam and Dipak Bohara in quick succession. Lokesh was bowled for a duck, while Dipak, promoted to No. 3, managed only four runs before losing his stumps.
Scott Edwards was the next to depart, falling for a duck to Sohail Tanveer, leaving Biratnagar reeling at 10/3 within two overs. Nicholas Kirton, batting at No. 5, also fell cheaply, trapped LBW by Basil Hameed for eight runs on his NPL debut.
Guptill and Basir Steady the Innings
Amid the collapse, Martin Guptill anchored the innings with a gritty 45 runs off 35 balls, featuring four sixes and a boundary. His partnership with Basir Ahamad added stability, but Guptill’s aggressive approach eventually led to his dismissal by Kushal Malla.
The turning point came in the final overs, with Basir Ahamad and Rajesh Pulami Magar forging an unbeaten 83-run partnership off just 24 balls. Basir’s explosive 68 off 44 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries, propelled Biratnagar to a strong total of 181/5. Rajesh contributed an impactful 33 off 20 balls with three sixes and a four.
Chitwan’s Bowling Highlights
Rijan Dhakal impressed with figures of 4-0-40-2, claiming two early wickets. Sohail Tanveer, Basil Hameed, and Kushal Malla each picked up a wicket but were unable to contain the late onslaught from Biratnagar’s lower middle order.
Chitwan’s Batting Struggles Continue
Chasing 182, Chitwan Rhinos stumbled early, losing Hassan Eisakhil for five runs to Basir Ahamad. Despite a 46-run partnership between Santosh Karki (28) and Ravi Bopara (20), the Rhinos failed to build momentum.
Sandeep Lamichhane’s sharp spin bowling accounted for two key wickets, while Subash Bhandari dismissed Bopara with a straight delivery. Apart from Kushal Malla’s 25 off 25 balls and Amar Rautela’s 42 off 29, Chitwan’s batting lineup faltered, leaving them well short of the target at 130/6.
Biratnagar’s Bowling Stars
Sandeep Lamichhane returned to form with figures of 4-0-28-2, supported by Chris Sole, Basir Ahamad, Subash Bhandari, and Lokesh Bam, who each took a wicket.
Must-Win Clash Awaits for Chitwan Rhinos
The defeat has severely dented Chitwan’s Net Run Rate, leaving them in a must-win situation against Janakpur Bolts on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
