Chitwan Rhinos has clinched a 33-run first victory over Sudurpaschim Royals in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 on Sunday.
Sudurpaschim was bowled out for 131 runs in 18.2 overs while it was chasing the 165-run target set by Chitwan. To restrict the opponent, Chitwan's Amar Routela, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Kushal Malla and Rijan Dhakal grabbed 2 wickets each while Sohail Tanvir claimed 1 wicket.
Ishan Pandey's 35-run score was the highest for Sudurpaschim. He hit 4 fours and 1 six off 28 balls. Similarly, Saif Zaib made 18 runs followed by Scott Kuggeleijn and Brandon McMullen with 16 and 13 runs, respectively. Dilpreet Bajwa contributed 12 runs while Binod Bhandari and Naren Saud collected 10 runs each. The other batsmen could not achieve double-digit runs.
Earlier, electing to bat first after winning the toss at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Chitwan notched up 164 runs losing 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
Hassan Eisakhil topped the score with 65 runs including 6 fours and 3 sixes off 52 runs followed by Ravi Bopara with 36 runs while Bipin Rawal contribuuted 17 runs. Similarly, Khushal Malla collected 13 runs for Chitwan. The other batsmen could not achieve significant runs.
In reply, Scott Kuggeleijn took the highest 2 wickets followed by Brandon McMullen, Dipendra Singh Airee and Saif Zaib claimed 1 wicket each for Sudurpaschim.
With this Chitwan has registered its third win in the ongoing IPL out of four matches played so far. Earlier, it has defeated Kathmandu and Pokhara but faced a defeat at the hands of Karnali.
Similarly, Sudurpaschim has won three out of four matches played so far. Earlier, it defeated Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gurkhas and Lumbini Lions.
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