The Chitwan Rhinos secured a five-wicket victory over the Kathmandu Gurkhas in the second match of the Nepal Premier League 2024, held at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
Opting to field first, Chitwan’s bowlers, led by Pakistan’s veteran fast bowler Sohail Tanvir’s impressive five-wicket haul, restricted Kathmandu to a modest total.
The Gurkhas faced early setbacks, losing opener Stephen Eskinazi for just 2 runs in the first over after losing the toss. Michael Levitt provided some resistance with a quick 25 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and a six. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Sumit Maharjan top-scored with a patient 29 off 41 balls, but lacked support from the other end. The team managed to post 111 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Sohail Tanvir was the standout bowler for the Rhinos, claiming first-ever fifer in NPL. He picked up 5 wickets for 21 runs.
He made an immediate impact on the very first ball of his spell, as Kathmandu Gurkhas’ Stephen Eskinazi drove it straight to cover, where Amar Routela safely completed the catch.
𝐀 𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧🦁
Well bowled, Sohail Tanveer🫡#ChitwanRhinos #BlueStar #BagmatiDerby #KheldaiChaGaida #NepalCricket #SBLNPL2024 #FearTheCharge pic.twitter.com/4KxnkptAsg
— Chitwan Rhinos (@chitwan_rhinos) December 2, 2024
Chasing 112, the Rhinos’ innings was anchored by contributions from their middle order. Despite losing early wickets, the team maintained a steady run rate. At the 13-over mark, Chitwan were 87 for 5, needing 25 runs from 42 balls. Santosh Karki and Sharad Vesawkar were at the crease, ensuring the team remained on track.
The Rhinos successfully chased down the target with five wickets in hand, marking a positive start to their campaign in the Nepal Premier League.
Brief Scores:
- Kathmandu Gurkhas: 111/9 in 20 overs (Sumit Maharjan 29, Michael Levitt 25; Sohail Tanvir 5/21)
- Chitwan Rhinos: 112/5 in 17.4 overs (Sharad Vesawkar 25*, Santosh Karki 20*; Shahab Alam 3/17)
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