KATHMANDU: Chitwan Rhinos defeated Janakpur Bolts by 32 runs, bolstering their chances of reaching the playoffs, in the second match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) today.
Despite the loss, Janakpur Bolts remain at the top of the table with 10 points from seven matches and have already secured a playoff spot.
Chitwan now has eight points from seven games, tied with Sudurpaschim Royals (five matches) and Karnali Yaks (six matches).
The final playoff lineup will be determined after Sunday’s match between Kathmandu Gurkhas and Biratnagar Kings.
If Kathmandu wins, they will also have eight points, making the playoff spots dependent on net run rates.
Lumbini Lions were eliminated earlier, and today’s results confirmed the exits of Biratnagar Kings and Pokhara Avengers from the competition.
In today’s match, chasing a target of 181, Janakpur Bolts were all out for 148 runs in 18 overs.
Despite an explosive 65 off 24 balls from Jimmy Neesham, including five fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 270.83, the effort fell short.
Other notable contributions included Asif Sheikh (23), Shubham Khakurel (15), and Mohammad Mohsin (13), while the rest of the batting lineup struggled.
For Chitwan, Rijwan Dhakal, Sohail Tanvir, and Kushal Malla took two wickets each, while Amar Routela claimed one.
Earlier, Chitwan set a total of 180/5 in their 20 overs at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Captain Kushal Malla played a remarkable innings, scoring 72 runs off 41 balls with three fours and seven sixes. Ravi Bopara contributed 44 runs off 32 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
Hassan Eisakhil (28) and Santosh Karki (14) also made valuable contributions.
For Janakpur, Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two wickets, while Harsh Thakar, Mohammad Mohsin, and Jimmy Neesham took one each.
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