Chitwan Rhinos made a strong start in the second edition of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL), registering an impressive four-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks in Kathmandu.

Chasing a target of 167 runs set by Karnali, Chitwan reached 171 runs in 19.1 overs with six wickets down.
Ravi Bopara played a crucial role in the chase, scoring a brilliant 52 off 35 balls, including three sixes and three fours. Dipak Bohara contributed a steady 42 runs, while Saif Zaib added 38 runs. Captain Kushal Malla chipped in with 20 runs.

For Karnali, skipper Sompal Kami picked up two wickets, while Unish Singh, Mark Watt, and Yubaraj Khatri claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, after being invited to bat first, Karnali posted 166 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Priyank Panchal was the standout performer with a dominant 90 off just 48 deliveries, smashing six sixes and seven fours. Pawan Sarraf added 27 runs, Max O’Dowd scored 20, and Mark Wood contributed 17 runs.

For Chitwan, Saif Zaib, Ravi Bopara, and Sohail Tanvir took one wicket apiece.