The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 produced its first real thriller on Day 2 as the Chitwan Rhinos 4-wicket victory over the Karnali Yaks and start their campaigns with the full of confidence at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Chitwan Rhinos captain Kushal Malla decided to bowl first after winning the toss, expecting some early help from the morning pitch. But Karnali Yaks approached the innings with patience and control. Their Indian opener, Priyank Panchal, took charge from the start. He rotated strike smartly, punished the loose balls, and anchored the entire innings with great maturity. Panchal Played brilliant innings 90 runs off 48 deliveries and featuring 7 fours and 6 maximums, his innings gave the Yaks a strong base to push for a big finish. While Max O, Dowd struggled to find rhythm managed 20 runs off 30 deliveries and Mark Watt added 16 runs, at the end pawan Sarraf Played cameo of unbeaten 27 runs off 16 balls towering 3 sixes and 1 four , Karnali yaks managed 166/3 in 20 overs.
For Chitwan Rhinos Sohail Tanvir, Saif Zaib and Ravi Bhopara get One wicket each.
Chasing 167 , Chitwan Rhinos did not have ideal start, Dawid Malan fell on 6 , while Dev khanal followed soon after on 2 runs with unexpected runout, But the situation changed once Ravi Bopara and Deepak Bohara settled in. Bohara played a calm and responsible knock, scoring 42 off 36 balls. He found boundaries when needed and rotated strike well to rebuild the innings. Bopara, on the other hand, showed his maturity . His timing returned at the perfect moment, and he reached a fluent half-century before getting out for 52 off 36 balls, with the help of 3 fours and 3 sixes. While skipper kushal Malla looked good but managed only 20 .
Saif Zaib played brisk innings 38 runs off just 16 deliveries , with fluent 2 boundaries and 4 maximum completely shifted the game in favour of his side ,at the end Arjun Saud finished things in style with 6, chase down the target 171/6 in 19.1 overs.
For Karnali yaks sompal kami was stand out bowler took 2/33 in 4 overs while unish Bikram Singh, Mark Watt and Yuvraj Khatri chipped with one wicket.
NPL Chitwan Rhinos vs Karnali yaks Match summary
Toss: chitwan rhinos won the toss and Opted to bowl first
Karnali yaks innings: 166/3 in 20 overs
Top performer: Priyank Panchal 90 runs off 48 deliveries , saif Zaib 1/15 in 3 overs
Chitwan Rhinos innings: 171/6 in 19.1 overs
Top performer: Ravi Bhopara 52 runs off 36 balls, Sompal Kami 2/33 in 4 overs
Result: chitwan rhinos won by 4 wickets
Player of the match: Saif Zaib 1/15 and 38 runs off 16 deliveries
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