Kathmandu Gorkhas beat Chitwan Rhinos in NPL 2026 and climbed to the top of the points table thanks to a crucial victory at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
After completing their 20 overs, Kathmandu set a total of 180/8 and then held Chitwan to a below par score.
This strengthens Kathmandu’s hopes of reaching the playoffs, as they now have 8 points overall and have overtaken defending champions Lumbini Lions.
Rashid Khan Impresses
Afghan all-rounder Rashid Khan delivered an impressive innings, scoring 52 runs off 30 balls.
In an aggressive knock that helped Kathmandu recover after losing their first two batsmen, he struck 4 sixes and 2 boundaries.
David Warner was dismissed for just 1 run and Sahil Patel added 8 runs as Kathmandu slumped to 13 all out after losing both openers.
Rashid then helped rebuild the innings, forming key partnerships with William Bosisto and Sahan Arachchige.
Bosisto made 27 runs off 22 balls, while Arachchige contributed 33 runs off 20 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes.
Karan KC came in late and blasted 20 runs off 8 balls with 3 sixes, lifting Kathmandu to a competitive 180/8.
Rijan Dhakal Impresses
The Chitwan bowling attack claimed some important wickets. Rijan Dhakal was the standout performer.
In his 4 overs, he took 3 wickets while conceding just 14 runs.
Sikandar Raza took 2 wickets for 19 runs in 3 overs, and Kamal Singh Airee took 2 wickets for 25 runs in his 4 overs.
Despite this, however, they were unable to prevent Kathmandu from posting a challenging score.
Kathmandu Rise to the Top
This was an important win for Kathmandu.
Before the match, they were among the top teams in the competition with 6 points from 4 matches, and with the win over Chitwan they now have 8 points and sit at the top.
It also adds pressure on the remaining teams.
With the league phase drawing to a close, every win and every point could prove decisive in determining who advances to the next round.
Chitwan Under Pressure
The Chitwan Rhinos began the match hoping to strengthen their standing.
Sadly for them, they were beaten by Kathmandu.
They still have some important matches remaining in the league, so strong performances will be needed.
They are set to face Janakpur Bolts on the 13th of November and Karnali Yaks on the 15th.
NPL Playoffs Heat Up
In the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, 8 franchises are competing for the 4 playoff places.
By defeating Chitwan, Kathmandu have improved their chances of finishing at the top of the table. Even so, several teams remain in the hunt for qualification.
Their next opponents will be Sudurpaschim Royals on the 13th of November, and they will close out their league campaign against Pokhara Avengers on the 15th.
The league matches are scheduled to conclude on the 15th of November, with the playoffs beginning on the 17th.
The NPL 2026 Final is scheduled to take place on the 21st of November.