KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks have beaten the Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs and qualify for Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League, where they will face the loser of Qualifier 1 between Janakpur Bolts and Sudurpaschim Royal.
After being put to bat first, Karnali Yaks set a target of 176 runs for Chitwan Rhinos, thanks to a strong performance from their foreign players.
Despite the Yaks suffering an early setback, losing opener Rit Gautam in the second over, a steady 39-ball 53 by newcomer Jaykishan Kolsawala laid a solid foundation.
William Bosisto further strengthened the innings with his second half-century of the tournament.
Capitalizing on the strong start, Chadwick Walton played a blistering knock, scoring 46 runs off just 23 balls, dismantling the Rhinos’ bowling attack at the TU Cricket Ground.
For the Rhinos, only Amar Routela, Sohail Tanvir, and Ravi Bopara showed some control with the ball. However, Rijan Dhakal struggled, conceding 44 runs in his four overs, while Sarad Vesawkar, who was brought in for this crucial match, gave away 37 runs and took a single wicket.
Kushal Malla and Ranjit Kumar also proved costly, allowing the Yaks to post a competitive total of 175 in their 20 overs.
In reply, the Rhinos did not get off to the best of starts losing both openers to the Yaks’ captain Sompal Kami by the third over.
Captain Kushal Malla and Ravi Bopara looked to steady the innings but their 36-run stand was broken by 16-year-old Bipin Sharma who sent Malla packing.
Zeeshan Maqsood was immense with the ball giving away only 26 runs and picking up three wickets.
Bopara tried to rescue the game with a solid half century but despite his 53 runs, the Rhinos could not get over the line losing the game by 21 runs.
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