Chitwan Rhinos ended Biratnagar Kings’ three-match winning streak with a commanding 48-run victory. After losing their previous game to the Lions by six wickets, the Rhinos bounced back strongly. Notably, in the last four matches of this NPL, the team batting second has lost all the matches. Out of the 12 matches so far, teams chasing have now lost seven, six of those defeats coming under lights.

Biratnagar were asked to chase 175 in the second innings, but the Kings were never really in the contest after losing opener Lokesh Bam (7) in the second over. In the very next over, Tanvir dismissed Munsey (4), caught by Bohara at point. With wickets falling regularly, they slumped to 5–39 inside seven overs and later 64–8 before Marchant de Lange and Pratish GC finally showed some resistance. Among the top eight batters, only Sam Heazlett—playing in place of Martin Guptill—managed to reach double figures. The left-hander struck 22 off 11, with three sixes. Kumar, who eventually trapped him lbw, had earlier dropped him on 7.

Marchant de Lange, coming in at No. 9, hammered a 22-ball 39, hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes, and was dropped twice during his stay. GC added a quickfire 30 off 12, including 2 fours and 3 sixes, taking Malla for 22 runs in one over before he was bowled. Ranjit Kumar—who didn’t have a memorable season last year—was the star of the show with the first five-wicket haul of NPL 2. His 5/21 dismantled the Kings’ middle order. He became the fifth uncapped player to win the Player of the Match award in NPL history, and only the second uncapped bowler to claim a five-for after Naren Saud last year. All the Rhinos bowlers chipped in with at least one wicket.

First Innings

Earlier, in the first innings, Marchant de Lange bowled an excellent spell to remove both Rhinos’ openers. Bohara (5) was undone by his pace. Malan looked good during his 17 (his highest in the tournament so far), but is still searching for a substantial score in this NPL. Khanal contributed a 22-ball 28—his first 20+ score this season. A 49-run stand between Saif Zaib (32) and Ravi Bopara lifted the Rhinos’ innings. During the partnership, Bopara was dropped on 4 by Pratish GC, and he made Biratnagar pay, going on to score a match-winning 65 off 38 (3 fours, 4 sixes). Skipper Malla added an unbeaten 20 off 14 as Chitwan Rhinos posted 174/5, with 99 of those runs coming in the final 10 overs.

De Lange (2/27) and Lamichhane (2/24) were the only bowlers to concede fewer than seven runs per over for the Kings. Biratnagar used as many as eight bowlers in the innings.

The Kings remain second on the points table despite the loss, while the Rhinos move up from fifth to third. Tomorrow, Lumbini Lions take on Sudurpaschim Royals in the first day game, followed by Janakpur Bolts facing the Pokhara Avengers in a day-night encounter.