KATHMANDU, Dec 22: A 33 runs partnership between skipper Shakti Gauchan and Pakistani batsman Israrullah sealed the second win in the third match by six wickets for Pokhara Rhinos. Shakti remained unbeaten on 18 runs from the same number of deliveries that included three fours.
Rhinos’ Israrullah continued his good run of form by carrying his bat through another run chase in the third match. He scored 45 not out runs just under run-a-ball that included three fours and two sixes. He was adjudged man of the match. Kathmandu’s sloppy fielding didn’t help as they dropped Israrullah in the closing moments of the match. Pokhara Rhinos got over the line with relative ease in the 19th over. Sunil Dhamala also scored 20 runs from 23 deliveries including two fours and a six.
Sagar Pun picked up two wickets for Kings XI and Bikram Bhusal chipped in with a wicket of Binod Bhandari and a run-out of Asif Ali.
Earlier, A disciplined all-round bowling performance from Pokhara Rhinos after winning the toss and electing to bowl has restricted Kathmandu Kings XI for 98 runs in their 20 overs picking up eight wickets. None of the Kings XI batsmen got going and struggled to score throughout the innings. Sagar Pun top-scored for the batting side with 36 runs accumulating 47 deliveries.
Pokhara Rhinos bowlers controlled the run flow from the first over itself when Bikram Sob removed the Kings XI’s heroes of the last match Amit Shrestha and Farveez Maharoof for ducks. Left-arm spinners, led by skipper Shakti Gauchan then delivered 12 overs conceding only 54 runs and sharing five wickets between them. Taj Wali, the Pakistani bowler, picked up one wicket in the match.
The top scorer Sagar Pun’s innings included two fours and a six. The second top scorer was Raju Rijal collecting 17 runs from 29 deliveries he faced at the crease.
Kings XI have lost three out of four matches. They are on two points with only one game to go. Pokhara Rhinos have four points after winning their second match in three matches.
Match Summary
Kathmandu Kings XI 98/8 (20 Ov)
Sagar Pun 36 (47) 2 fours, 1 six
Raju Rijal 17 (29) 2 fours
Bikram Sob 3-0-11-2
Susan Bhari 4-0-19-2
Pokhara Rhinos (Toss) 102/4 (18.2 Ov)
Israrullah 45* (48) 3 fours, 2 sixes
Sunil Dhamala 20 (23) 2 fours, 1 six
Sagar Pun 4-0-19-2
Bikram Bhusal 3.2-0-24-1
Pokhara won the match by 6 wickets. Man of the match: Israrullah
All-round Israrullah leads Pokhara Rhinos to first win (with ph...
