KIRTIPUR: Chitwan Rhinos pulled off an easy four-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks in a high-octane Nepal Premier League (NPL) clash at the TU International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to Saif Zaib and Ravi Bopara.
Karnali Yaks, electing to bat after losing the toss, posted a competitive 166 for three, largely courtesy of Priyank Panchal’s scintillating 90 off just 48 balls. Panchal’s innings, studded with seven boundaries and six sixes, was anchored by two crucial partnerships: 61 runs with Max O’Dowd for the opening wicket and 63 with Mark Watt for the second.
O’Dowd chipped in with 20 runs, while Watt contributed 16. Pawan Sarraf’s 27 not out off 16 balls added late impetus, helping Karnali cross the 160-run mark. Sohail Tanvir, Zaib, and Bopara shared the wickets, but Chitwan’s domestic bowlers struggled to contain the in-form Panchal.
Chitwan’s chase started shakily as Dawid Malan and Dev Khanal fell early in the fourth over, leaving the Rhinos reeling at 43 for three. Opener Deepak Bohara provided some stability, striking 42 off 36 balls, but it was Zaib and Bopara who turned the tide. Zaib’s explosive 38 off 16 balls, featuring two fours and four sixes, combined with calm support from Bopara, steered Chitwan past the line with just four wickets down.
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