The Chitwan Rhinos secured a thrilling victory against the Biratnagar Kings, successfully chasing a target of 158 in Match 2 of NPL Season 3 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.
Chitwan scored 157 runs for 3 wickets in their 20 overs. Biratnagar fell short, getting bowled out for 149 in just 19.3 overs.
Kamal Singh Airee shone with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for only 26 runs in 4 overs. His pivotal performance included 2 key wickets in the 18th over, turning the game in favor of Chitwan.
Airee was named Player of the Match.
Dawid Malan Leads Chitwan with 157 Runs
After losing the toss, Chitwan began their innings strongly, thanks to Dawid Malan’s impressive 70 runs off 51 balls, forming a 58 run opening partnership with Dev Khanal (12 off 15 balls).
Although Arjun Saud struggled with just 3 runs before being dismissed, Chitwan rebounded as Ravi Bopara and Dan Mousley built a solid partnership. Bopara scored 32 runs, while Mousley remained unbeaten on 29, contributing to an unbroken 67-run partnership for the third wicket, setting a challenging target for Biratnagar.
Imran Sheikh and Lokesh Bam Start Strong for Biratnagar
Biratnagar began their innings well, with Imran Sheikh and Lokesh Bam establishing a 40 run opening stand. Lokesh Bam scored 26 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed, while Imran Sheikh became the highest scorer for Biratnagar with 39 runs.
Despite a promising start, Biratnagar struggled to maintain partnerships, as Charith Asalanka scored 8 runs and Basir Ahmad added 13 runs, leading to regular wickets falling.
Andre Russell Revives Biratnagar’s Hopes
West Indies all rounder Andre Russell sparked hope for Biratnagar with an aggressive 33 runs off 17 balls, including 1 four and 4 sixes. He formed a 43 run partnership with Angelo Mathews (14) in 24 balls, putting Biratnagar in a decent position, needing just 21 runs from the last 3 overs.
However, Chitwan’s bowlers rose to the occasion.
Kamal Singh Airee Changes the Game
Airee turned the match around by taking 2 wickets in the 18th over, dismissing Rupesh Singh and Pratis GC without scoring. This setback hindered Biratnagar’s chase.
Rijan Dhakal followed up with 2 wickets in the 19th over. Airee finished with impressive figures of 4/26, while Dhakal took 2 wickets. Ranjit Kumar, Mausam Dhakal, Tom Taylor, and Dan Mousley each chipped in with 1 wicket.
Biratnagar ended up bowled out for 149 in 19.3 overs.
Chitwan Rhinos Kick Off NPL Season 3 with a Win
Chitwan Rhinos have made a strong start in NPL Season 3, while the Biratnagar Kings will need to regroup after a missed opportunity. Chitwan’s victory highlights the importance of composure in the final overs of a T20 match. The strong performances from Malan (70) and the late partnership between Bopara and Mousley set a challenging total, while Airee’s bowling proved crucial.
Despite Russell’s late efforts, Biratnagar couldn’t secure the win. Chitwan’s successful chase of 157 under pressure marks an excellent beginning to the third edition of the Nepal Premier League.