Panchal’s masterclass, Bopara’s experience, Guptill–Bam fireworks, and Pokhara’s daring chase attempt headline a high-scoring day-night spectacle.

After a relatively subdued opening day, the second day of NPL Season 2 exploded with high-scoring contests, relentless hitting, and several standout individual performances. Four innings crossed the 160-run mark, and five batters registered fifties as the tournament came alive under the floodlights.

Panchal’s Masterclass Overshadowed in Tough Loss

Former Indian domestic legend Priyank Panchal produced a breathtaking exhibition of controlled aggression, dismantling the spinners with repeated charges down the pitch. He crafted a magnificent 90 off 48 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes), powering Karnali Yaks’ total of 166.

Pawan Sarraf, who missed last season due to injury, contributed a handy 27 off 16, but the rest of the lineup misfired. O’Dowd and Watt struck only two boundaries in 51 deliveries between them. Bopara, Zaib, and Tanvir each claimed one wicket.

Despite Panchal’s brilliance, Rhinos pulled off a superb chase. Ravi Bopara (52 off 36) struck his third fifty against the Yaks, while Saif Zaib’s 38 off 16 completely changed the complexion of the chase after being dropped by Nandan Yadav on 8.

Here’s the remarkable part: Rhinos needed 98 runs in the last 10 overs. They ended up scoring 101 to seal the match — the second-most runs ever scored in the last 10 overs to win a second-innings chase in NPL history.

Karnali skipper Sompal Kami was the standout bowler with 2/33, although his final over went for 14. Meanwhile, Nandan Yadav had a day to forget, finishing with 0/33 in 3.1 overs, including the final delivery that Saud dispatched to seal Chitwan’s win.

Arjun Saud completed the chase by lifting Nandan Yadav over long-off on the first ball of the final over. Rhinos won by four wickets, with Kami admitting they were “20 runs short.”

Guptill and Bam Obliterate the Avengers Under Lights

In the second fixture, Martin Guptill and Lokesh Bam delivered a devastating assault on the Avengers’ attack. Their 132-run stand — the second-highest partnership in NPL history — broke the game open.

But a crucial turning point came earlier. Bam was dropped twice — on 24 and 26 off consecutive deliveries. Avengers duly paid the price as he stormed to 72 off 48 (1 four, 7 sixes). Martin Guptill made 61 off 35 (3 fours, 5 sixes).

Every Avengers bowler conceded over 10 an over. Bipin Khatri, Pokhara’s last year’s high wicket-taker, was benched, with Bhurtel later explaining they believed they had enough spin options in slightly less favourable conditions for spinners.

Earlier, Munsey fell for 10, but Shubham Ranjane (38 off 16) and Basir Ahamad (23 off 13) launched a late assault, lifting the Kings to 220/6. Aakash Chand (1 wicket) and Matt Taylor (2 wickets) each leaked 48 runs.

Rossington and Bhurtel’s Powerplay Blitz — Then a Sudden Collapse

Chasing 221, Pokhara Avengers started brilliantly. With heavy dew making batting easier, Adam Rossington smashed 39 off 21 (5 fours, 2 sixes), while Kushal Bhurtel produced his best NPL innings — 59 off 31 (5 fours, 4 sixes).

They powered the side to 77/1 in 6 overs, the second-highest powerplay score in NPL history. But the chase unraveled astonishingly. Three wickets fell in five balls. From 88/1, Pokhara collapsed to 89/4. Ranjane ended the 76-run stand, while Sandeep Lamichhane removed Neesham and Das for ducks within three deliveries.

Bhurtel’s onslaught peaked with a 20-run takedown of de Lange — one strike even smashed the commentators’ box window.

Dan Douthwaite (29 off 20) entertained briefly, but the chase fizzled out. Pokhara fell short by 53 runs. Lamichhane led with 2/18, while de Lange, GC, and Ranjane each took two wickets but proved expensive.

Sixes Galore, Dew Everywhere — Bowlers Suffer

For fans, the day-night fixtures promise entertainment: sixes, big totals, and dramatic swings. For bowlers, it’s a nightmare. Sandeep Lamichhane said it was the most dew he had ever experienced anywhere in the world.

Bhurtel felt his team conceded only “15–20 runs extra” on a batting-friendly surface and wasn’t overly concerned. Both Karnali Yaks and Pokhara Avengers, who started with two losses last season, have again opened their campaigns with defeats.
Yaks recovered last year with four straight wins to reach the playoffs; the Avengers never managed to claw back. This season, both teams need to quickly find their winning formula and avoid slipping into familiar patterns.