Chitwan Rhinos claimed a 32-run victory over Janakpur Bolts in their second match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Saturday, increasing their chances of reaching the play-offs.
Janakpur Bolts, who has played seven matches, is atop the league with 10 points and has already secured a place in the play-offs. Following this win, Chitwan now has eight points from seven matches, while Sudurpaschim Royals, with five matches, and Karnali Yaks, with six matches, also have the points equal to Chitwan.
The top teams will be determined after the match between Kathmandu Gurkhas and Biratnagar Kings on Sunday.
Lumbini Lions has already been eliminated from the league, and tomorrow's match will decide the position of Biratnagar Kings and Pokhara Avengers.
In Saturday's match, Janakpur Bolts was restricted to 148 runs in 18 overs while chasing a target of 181. James Neesham was the top scorer for Janakpur, making 65 runs, including five boundaries and six sixes off just 24 balls. Aasif Sheikh contributed 23, Shubha Kansakar 15, and Mohammed Mohsin 13, but no other batters could make a significant impact.
For Chitwan, Rijan Dhakal, Sohail Tanvir, and Kushal Malla each took two wickets, while Amar Routela claimed one.
Earlier, Chitwan Rhinos opted to bat first after winning the toss at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur, scoring 180 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Captain Kushal Malla top-scored with beyond half-century (72), including three boundaries and seven sixes off 41 balls. Ravi Bopora supported with 44 runs, including five boundaries and one six. Hassan Eisakhil made 28 runs, and Santosh Karki contributed 14.
Janakpur's Lalit Rajbanish took two wickets, while Harsh Thaker, Mohammed Mohsin, and James Neesham took one wicket each.
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