Chitwan Rhinos secured a commanding 32-run victory over Janakpur Bolts on Saturday at the TU International Cricket Ground in the Nepal Premier League. This win significantly boosted Chitwan’s chances of making the playoffs while also making them the only team to defeat two strong sides, Janakpur Bolts and Sudurpaschim Royals.
Although Janakpur Bolts have already confirmed their playoff spot, their chances of finishing in the top two will now depend on the result of Karnali Yaks’ match on Monday.
Kushal Malla and Ravi Bopara power Chitwan’s innings
After electing to bat first, Chitwan Rhinos set a competitive target of 181 runs, thanks to a brilliant century partnership between captain Kushal Malla and Ravi Bopara. Chitwan had a steady start in the powerplay, scoring 44 runs at the cost of one wicket. The top three batters made decent contributions: Hassan Eisakhil (28), Santosh Karki (14), and Bipin Rawal (3).
By the eighth over, Chitwan were at 55/3, needing a strong partnership to post a competitive total. This responsibility was taken up by captain Kushal Malla and Ravi Bopara, who added over 100 runs for the fourth wicket. Kushal played a sensational knock of 72 off 41 balls, smashing seven sixes and three fours. Bopara anchored the innings with a gritty 44 off 32 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and one six. Their partnership helped Chitwan post a formidable total of 180/8.
Lalit Rajbanshi was exceptional with the ball for Janakpur Bolts, delivering two maiden overs and picking 2/11 in his four-over spell. James Neesham, Mohammad Mohsin, and Harsh Thaker also chipped in with a wicket each.
Neesham’s brilliance not enough for Janakpur
In reply, Janakpur Bolts had a disastrous start, losing captain Anil Sah in the first over to Rijan Dhakal, who has been outstanding in powerplay overs throughout the tournament. The top order crumbled, leaving Janakpur struggling at 66/5 after 10 overs.
James Neesham then turned the game around with a stunning knock, smashing the fastest fifty of the tournament off just 18 balls. He built a quickfire 50-run partnership with Mohammad Mohsin for the sixth wicket in just 21 balls. However, Mohsin was run out, sacrificing his wicket to keep Neesham on strike.
Neesham continued his fireworks, hammering 65 off just 24 balls with six sixes and five boundaries. He was eventually dismissed by Sohail Tanveer in an eventful over, where he was earlier dismissed off a no-ball before hitting a six on the free hit. Neesham’s dismissal in the 15th over marked the end of Janakpur’s hopes, as the lack of support from other batters saw them fold for 148 runs.
Chitwan’s bowlers shine
Chitwan’s bowlers delivered another impressive performance. Kushal Malla, named Player of the Match, complemented his batting heroics with a superb bowling display, taking 2/26 in his four overs. Rijan Dhakal (2/24) and Sohail Tanveer (2/36) also chipped in with crucial wickets, while Amar Routela added one wicket to his name.
Qualification scenarios
With this win, the Chitwan Rhinos have strengthened their chances of reaching the playoffs. They are now the only team to defeat two strong sides in the competition, Janakpur Bolts and Sudurpaschim Royals. For Janakpur Bolts, their top-two finish hinges on the result of Karnali Yaks’ match on Monday.
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