Sudurpaschim Royals faced their first defeat in the Nepal Premier League, going down by 33 runs to Chitwan Rhinos on Sunday at the TU International Cricket Ground. The Royals had been unbeaten in the tournament before this match. Chitwan Rhinos won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a target of 165 runs for the Royals. However, Sudurpaschim’s chase fell short as they ended at 131.
Chitwan’s Early Setback
Chitwan made a change at the top of the order, with Santosh Karki opening alongside Afghan batter Hassan Eisakhil. Hassan’s return to the playing XI saw Luc Benkenstein dropped. Santosh Karki couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity and was dismissed early by Brendon McMullen.
Bipin and Hassan Build Foundation
Bipin Rawal, who joined Hassan, anchored the innings with a solid 50-run partnership for the second wicket. Bipin contributed 17 runs off 20 balls before he was dismissed by English all-rounder Saif Zaib while attempting a big shot. Kiwi pacer Scott Kuggeleijn then removed Rhinos captain, Kushal Malla, after he was bowled out for 13 runs.
Hassan and Bopara Shine
Hassan Eisakhil stood firm, scoring a fluent 65 runs off 52 balls, which included six boundaries and three sixes, marking his first fifty for the Rhinos. However, his innings came to an end when Kuggeleijn claimed his second wicket. Ravi Bopara then played a quickfire knock of 36 runs off 18 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes, to boost the total. Bopara’s contribution helped Chitwan post a respectable total of 164/6.
Kuggeleijn’s Efforts with the Ball
Scott Kuggeleijn was the pick of the bowlers for Sudurpaschim Royals, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs from his four overs. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee, along with Saif Zaib and Brendon McMullen, each claimed one wicket.
Sudurpaschim Royals Chase
Chasing the challenging target of 165, Sudurpaschim Royals got off to a strong start despite the early loss of openers Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari. The Royals were going at a rate of over 10 runs per over in the first four overs, but Chitwan Rhinos’ poor fielding in the powerplay helped the Royals’ cause.
Sudurpaschim Royals Collapse
After losing Binod Bhandari, Sudurpaschim’s innings crumbled as they lost four wickets for just 29 runs. Big names like Brendon McMullen and Dipendra Singh Airee, along with new signing Dilpreet Bajwa and dependable batter Aarif Sheikh, all fell to Chitwan Rhinos spinners.
Key Dismissals
McMullen was bowled by a low delivery from Kushal Malla, while Dilpreet Bajwa and Aarif Sheikh were trapped LBW by Loftie-Eaton and Ranjit Kumar, respectively. Dipendra Singh Airee was caught behind off Loftie-Eaton, further worsening the Royals’ situation.
Ishan Pandey’s Fight
Ishan Pandey provided some resistance with a fighting 35 runs from 28 balls, including four boundaries and a six, but his efforts were not enough to take the Royals over the line.
Chitwan’s Bowlers Share the Wickets
Chitwan Rhinos’ bowlers shared the wickets, with all six bowlers claiming at least one wicket. Rijan Dhakal, Kushal Malla, Loftie Eaton, and Amar Rautela took two wickets each, while Sohail Tanveer and Ranjit Kumar added one each.
Points Table Update
The defeat leaves Sudurpaschim Royals in second place with three wins and one loss, maintaining a better net run rate than Chitwan Rhinos. Chitwan, on the other hand, moves up to third place with three wins and one loss in the competition.
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