KATHMANDU: Sudurpashchim Royals continued their unbeaten campaign in Season 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), securing a 49-run victory over Chitwan Rhinos in Thursday’s second match.
At the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Chitwan won the toss and opted to field first. Chasing a 170-run target set by Sudurpashchim, Chitwan were bowled out for 120 runs in 17.1 overs.
With this win, Sudurpashchim secured a playoff spot with two group-stage matches still remaining. They have now won all six of their matches, previously defeating Janakpur Bolts, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, and Kathmandu Gorkhas.
Sudurpashchim top the table with 12 points, while Chitwan sit in sixth place with 4 points from 2 wins and 4 losses. Batting proved decisive in today’s match as Sudurpashchim posted a strong total.
Opener Chris Lynn anchored the innings with a superb 75 off 56 balls before retiring out in the 17th over. After Lynn’s departure, Dipendra Singh Airee added an unbeaten 24, while Arif Sheikh also remained not out on 24. Binod Bhandari contributed 21 and Puneet Mehra scored 13, helping Sudurpashchim reach 170.
In reply, no Chitwan batter produced a substantial innings. Opener Arjun Saud scored 16, while David Malan and Saif Zaib were dismissed for 6 runs each. Ravi Bopara top-scored with 29 off 23 balls, and Dev Khanal made 28 off 19 deliveries. The rest of the lineup failed to reach double figures.
For Sudurpashchim, Puneet Mehra took 3 wickets, including the dismissal of Chitwan’s second-highest scorer Dev Khanal. Hikmat Mahara claimed 1 wicket, removing Saif Zaib, while Dipendra Singh Airee dismissed opener Arjun Saud. Ishan Pandey took the wicket of captain Kushal Malla. Pokhara’s David and Amar Singh Rautela were run out.
Harmit Singh bowled four overs but proved expensive, conceding 34 runs without taking a wicket.
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