KATHMANDU, Dec 2: Chitwan Rhinos have posted a strong target of 177 runs for Janakpur Bolts in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), thanks to a superb innings from overseas player Dawid Malan and a half-century from opener Arjun Saud.
Winning the toss and choosing to bat first at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Chitwan scored 176 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
Openers Malan and Saud gave Chitwan an explosive start, putting together a crucial 112-run partnership for the first wicket in 13.4 overs.
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Malan top-scored with a brilliant 80 off 54 balls, hitting 4 fours and 5 sixes. He was dismissed LBW by Maaz Sadaqat in the 18.2 overs.
Saud supported strongly with 52 runs off 39 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes.
After middle-order batters Saif Zaib (7) and Ravi Bopara (3) departed cheaply, the innings slowed down briefly. But captain Kushal Malla revived the momentum with an aggressive unbeaten 30 off 14 balls, smashing 2 fours and 2 sixes. Amar Rawat remained not out on 1.
Janakpur bowlers struggled initially but attempted a comeback in the middle overs.
For Janakpur, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton delivered economical bowling, taking 1 wicket for 17 runs in 2 overs. Maaz Sadaqat picked up 1 wicket for 23 runs in 4 overs. Anil Sah and Rupesh Singh also claimed a wicket each.
In the 20th match of the league, Janakpur Bolts will soon begin their chase of the 177-run target.
