KATHMANDU, Dec 13: Biratnagar Kings have registered their second victory in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 51 runs in Friday’s second held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. With the win, Kings have strengthened their chances of reaching the playoffs as they have 4 points with one match remaining in the group stage of the NPL.
With this defeat, Rhinos’ chances of reaching the playoffs have become challenging. They have secured only six points from six games and will face second-place Janakpur Bolts in their last match of the NPL stage on Saturday. Similarly, Kings will face Kathmandu Gurkhas.
Along with Biratnagar Kings and Chitwan Rhinos, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gurkhas and Pokhara Avengers also have the possibility of reaching the playoffs. Janakpur Bolts have already secured their spot in the playoffs, while Lumbini has been stopped at the NPL stage by winning only one game.
Janakpur Bolts beat Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets in NPL opener
Rhinos managed to score only 130 runs after losing 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs while chasing the target of 182 runs set by Kings. For Rhinos, Santosh Karki scored 28, Ravi Bopara scored 20 and captain Kushal Malla scored 25. Amar Rautela added 42 runs but could not avoid defeat.
On behalf of Kings, Sandeep Lamichhane took 2 wickets and Bashir Ahmed, Chris Sole, Lokesh Bam and Subash Bhandari took one wicket each.
Earlier, Kings, who batted first, scored 181 runs after losing five wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Despite a poor start, they managed to build a respectable total after Basir Ahmed scored an unbeaten 68 runs. Martin Guptill contributed 45 runs, and Rajesh Pulami added 33 runs. They also received 23 extra runs.
In terms of the Rhinos’ bowling, Rijan Dhakal took two wickets and captain Kushal Malla, Sohail Tanvir, and Basil Hameed took one wicket each.
