Rhinos Secure second win with victory over Pokhara Avengers

KATHMANDU: With a decisive 87-run victory over Pokhara Avengers at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, the Chitwan Rhinos extended their winning streak in the Nepal Premier League (NPL). To win the event for the second time in a row, the Rhinos put on an all-around display, controlling the ball and bat.

After losing the toss, the Chitwan Rhinos batted first and amassed a respectable 161 runs in their 20 overs at a cost of seven wickets. With a solid 51 off 38 balls, which included three boundaries and as many sixes, Ravi Bopara served as the innings' mainstay. 

Kushal Malla, the captain, scored a scorching 38 off 23 balls while hitting four sixes and one four. By taking two wickets apiece, Raymon Reifer, Bipin Khatri, and Bas de Leede of Pokhara prevented Chitwan from surpassing the 170-run threshold.

The Pokhara Avengers were bowled out for a pitiful 74 runs in just 13.2 overs after collapsing under the pressure of the chase. Sohail Tanvir and Rijan Dhakal of Chitwan caused chaos by taking three wickets apiece in quick succession. 

While Dilip Nath and Michael Leask barely received single-digit scores, Avengers captain Kushal Bhurtel and Bas de Leede were caught by golden ducks. The Avengers were left reeling when seven wickets fell in the opening 6.2 overs, all under 17 runs.

Marcus Critchley and Narayan Joshi managed a quick comeback despite the collapse, combining for 30 runs for the ninth wicket. Joshi top-scored with 30 off 24 balls, striking two sixes and three fours, while Critchley was bowled for 17 runs after being trapped leg-before-wicket. 

Bipin Khatri scored nine runs, but the Avengers fell well short of the target. Chitwan's Luc Benkenstein and Deepak Bohara contributed to the bowling attack with three and one wickets, respectively.

This victory shows the Chitwan Rhinos' impressive start to the tournament, which came after they defeated Kathmandu Gurkhas in their opening game. On the other hand, Pokhara Avengers' poor batting performance highlighted areas for growth in their tournament debut.

The Nepal Premier League is becoming more competitive as Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Biratnagar Kingsby a commanding 90 runs in another match on Tuesday.