171/6 (19.1)
CR : 8.92
166/3 (20.0)
CR : 8.30
Chitwan Rhinos won by 4 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
Ravi Bopara
1/1852(36)
19.1
6
N Yadav to A saud
SIX! DONE AND DUSTED! The Rhinos have defeated the Yaks by four wickets with 5 balls to spare! Full and outside off. Saud backs away, extends his hands to reach out and clubs it over the sweeper cover for a biggie to seal the deal. There were jitters in between, but the Rhinos have been reached home in the end to take a win in their first match of this new season.
Over 20
Chitwan Rhinos 171/6
Arjun saud8(4)
Sohail Tanvir0(0)
Nandan Yadav0-33(3.1)
CWR won by 4 wickets
3:00 PM IST, 3:15 PM Local Time: Finishes the match with a six. Chitwan Rhinos win the match in the final over by four wickets. They register a win in their very first game of the Nepal Premier League 2025.
Being asked to bat first, Karnali Yaks openers Priyank Panchal and Max O'Dowd gave their team a very good start. Panchal went on to score an impressive 90 off 48 balls. The Yaks lost only three wickets and scored 167 runs in their 20 overs.
In reply, Rhinos lost their first wicket early. The side also didn't have a high-scoring powerplay. However, Deepak Bohara (42) and veteran Ravi Bopara (52) played very well. Late in the middle-order came Saif Zaib, who scored 38 off 16 balls. The efforts of mainly these three batters helped the Rhinos win the match by four wickets in the final over.
For Yaks, pacer Sompal Kami showed promise by taking 2/33. However, the other Yaks bowlers bowled impressively in bits and pieces.
The Yaks were given a very good start by their openers and they should have scored at least 15-20 runs more. In the end, they had to pay the price for that shortfall. The boundaries are a bit on the shorter side here and it is relatively easier to chase down big scores.
Being asked to bat first, Karnali Yaks openers Priyank Panchal and Max O'Dowd gave their team a very good start. Panchal went on to score an impressive 90 off 48 balls. The Yaks lost only three wickets and scored 167 runs in their 20 overs.
In reply, Rhinos lost their first wicket early. The side also didn't have a high-scoring powerplay. However, Deepak Bohara (42) and veteran Ravi Bopara (52) played very well. Late in the middle-order came Saif Zaib, who scored 38 off 16 balls. The efforts of mainly these three batters helped the Rhinos win the match by four wickets in the final over.
For Yaks, pacer Sompal Kami showed promise by taking 2/33. However, the other Yaks bowlers bowled impressively in bits and pieces.
The Yaks were given a very good start by their openers and they should have scored at least 15-20 runs more. In the end, they had to pay the price for that shortfall. The boundaries are a bit on the shorter side here and it is relatively easier to chase down big scores.
Time for post-match presentation...
Catch of the Match: Dev Khanal
Energetic Player of the Match: Yuvraj Khatri
Player of the Match: Ravi Bopara
Ravi Bopara (Player of the Match): “It’s brilliant to be back in Nepal. I remember leaving last year, and everyone in the dressing room was genuinely sad that the league had ended. For a lot of the boys, this is the best time of the year, and it’s come around quickly again. The team is in great spirits, and it’s fantastic to start our campaign with a win.
The transformation of the stadium is unbelievable. Last year, they mentioned that lights would be installed for this season, and honestly, I didn’t think it was possible in such a short time. But the work they’ve done - the ground, the stands, the entire setup - it’s incredible. I’m really proud of Nepal cricket, as they’ve delivered something very special.”
(On his innings and enjoying his cricket) “I’m still loving my cricket. I enjoy chases like these, where you have to pace the innings and let others bat around you. Malla’s cameo was brilliant and gave me great momentum, and Saif’s knock was the innings of the match for me. He struck the ball beautifully, works extremely hard, and absolutely deserved the runs he scored today.”
The transformation of the stadium is unbelievable. Last year, they mentioned that lights would be installed for this season, and honestly, I didn’t think it was possible in such a short time. But the work they’ve done - the ground, the stands, the entire setup - it’s incredible. I’m really proud of Nepal cricket, as they’ve delivered something very special.”
(On his innings and enjoying his cricket) “I’m still loving my cricket. I enjoy chases like these, where you have to pace the innings and let others bat around you. Malla’s cameo was brilliant and gave me great momentum, and Saif’s knock was the innings of the match for me. He struck the ball beautifully, works extremely hard, and absolutely deserved the runs he scored today.”
And that was it from the second match of the NPL 2025. Until then, I am Dev, signing off, along with my co-commentators Anab and Deepak, and scorer Sachin. That’s it from our side. But cricket doesn’t end. The third match of NPL 2025 is about to start. So, switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!