The third day of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at TU International Ground saw Sudurpaschim Royals and Chitwan Rhinos claim emphatic victories, with both matches witnessing underwhelming performances from teams batting second.
Sudurpaschim Royals register a maiden win
Sudurpaschim Royals outclassed Biratnagar Kings by a massive 90-run margin to secure their first win of the tournament. Opting to bat first, the Royals posted an imposing total of 182/8 in 20 overs.
Binod Bhandari laid the foundation with a steady 23 off 20 balls, while Brendon McMullen (36) and Ishan Pandey (21) chipped in valuable contributions. However, it was skipper Dipendra Singh Airee who stole the show, smashing the fastest fifty of the tournament in just 23 balls. Dipendra’s explosive 57 off 24 deliveries included five towering sixes and three boundaries.
Anil Kharel was the standout bowler for the Kings, returning figures of 4-0-26-3, but captain Sandeep Lamichhane remained wicketless for the second consecutive match.
In reply, Biratnagar Kings crumbled under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. Scott Kuggeleijn dismissed Martin Guptill in the very first over, and the Kings never recovered from the early setback. Only Basir Ahmad offered some resistance with 24 off 28 balls as the team was bowled out for 92 in 17 overs. Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara shared six wickets between them, sealing a commanding win for the Royals.
Chitwan Rhinos continue winning run
In the second match, Chitwan Rhinos registered their second consecutive win, defeating Pokhara Avengers by 87 runs. After being put into bat, Chitwan overcame a shaky start, losing three wickets in the powerplay. Bipin Khatri struck twice to give the Avengers an early edge.
A crucial 50-run partnership between Ravi Bopara and Kushal Malla stabilized the innings. Bopara’s composed 51 off 38 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes, took the Rhinos to a competitive 161/8. Pokhara employed eight bowlers, with Bipin Khatri, Bas de Leede, and Raymon Reifer claiming two wickets apiece.
Chasing 162, Pokhara’s innings spiralled into chaos. Sohail Tanveer’s fiery opening spell left them reeling at 4/3, with big names like Kushal Bhurtel and Bas de Leede back in the dugout. Rijan Dhakal compounded the woes, picking three wickets in a single over, reducing the Avengers to 16/6 by the end of the powerplay.
Narayan Joshi’s 30 off 24 offered a semblance of fight, but the damage had already been done. The Avengers folded for 101 in 18.3 overs. Player of the Match Rijan Dhakal returned exceptional figures of 3-1-10-3, while Tanveer ended with 3-1-6-3. Luc Benkenstein also chipped in with three scalps.
Upcoming Matches
Chitwan Rhinos will take on Karnali Yaks on Friday, while Pokhara Avengers aim to bounce back against Janakpur Bolts on Thursday.
Both matches promise high-stakes action as the NPL continues to gather momentum.
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