Chitwan Rhinos began their Nepal Premier League campaign with a commanding 5-wicket victory over Kathmandu Gurkhas on Sunday at the TU International Cricket Ground. Opting to bowl first, Chitwan restricted the Gurkhas to a modest 111 runs before chasing down the target with 17 balls to spare.
The Rhinos’ bowling unit, led by Pakistan’s seasoned pacer Sohail Tanveer, dismantled the Gurkhas’ top order. Tanveer’s mastery with the new ball was evident as he claimed three wickets in the powerplay, eventually finishing with historic figures of 4-0-21-5 — the first five-wicket haul in Nepal Premier League history.
Kathmandu’s innings was kept afloat by Michael Levitt, who scored a brisk 25 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Contributions from Sumit Maharjan (29), Daniel Douthwaite (19), and Shankar Rana (16) added some resistance, but the Gurkhas struggled against disciplined bowling from the Rhinos. Rijan Dhakal, Kushal Malla, Luc Benkenstein, and Amar Rautela chipped in with a wicket each.
Chitwan’s chase was not without its challenges. Shahab Alam rattled the top order, dismissing openers Hassan Eisakhil (12) and Deepak Bohara (7) early, leaving the Rhinos at 31/2. Luc Benkenstein’s quick-fire 22, featuring two sixes, helped stabilize the innings before Santosh Karki anchored the chase with a composed 28 off 31 balls. Karki’s innings, punctuated by two boundaries and a six, ensured Chitwan crossed the line comfortably.
For the Gurkhas, Shahab Alam was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs. Gerhard Erasmus and Daniel Douthwaite picked up one wicket apiece but couldn’t prevent Chitwan from clinching their first-ever Nepal Premier League victory.
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Chitwan Rhinos will next face Pokhara Avengers on Tuesday, while Kathmandu Gurkhas are set to take on Karnali Yaks on Wednesday.
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