KIRTIPUR, November 6: Chitwan Rhinos returned to winning ways with a 30-run victory over Pokhara Avengers in the 17th match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Friday.
After Pokhara elected to bowl, Chitwan posted 151/6 in 20 overs. The Avengers struggled to keep pace with the target and were bowled out for 121 in 19 overs, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat of the tournament.
Raza and Bopara Rescue Chitwan's Innings
Chitwan made a steady start through openers Arjun Saud and Dawid Malan, who put together a 60-run partnership for the first wicket. Saud scored 31 off 27 balls, while Malan contributed 28 from 28 deliveries.
However, Pokhara fought back with quick wickets. Dan Mousley managed just two runs, and Kushal Malla was dismissed for 11, leaving Chitwan at 86/4.
Captain Sikandar Raza and Ravi Bopara then took charge, adding 60 runs for the fifth wicket to rebuild the innings. Raza played an attacking knock of 37 off just 16 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours. Bopara supported him with 35 off 28 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.
Pokhara captain Chamika Karunaratne dismissed both batters in the final over, restricting Chitwan to 151/6. Karunaratne, Bipin Khatri and Kushal Bhurtel claimed two wickets each.
Dhakal and Airee Lead Pokhara's Downfall
Pokhara's chase began with some resistance, but the required scoring rate gradually became difficult to manage. The Avengers were 66/3 after 8.5 overs and reached 72/3 at the halfway stage, still needing 80 runs from the remaining 10 overs.
Arjun Kumal kept Pokhara in the contest with 45 off 43 balls, but his dismissal by Kamal Singh Airee in the 18th over dealt another blow to the chase. Pokhara had slipped to 116/6 after 17 overs.
Airee finished with impressive figures of 3/7 from two overs, while Rijan Dhakal led the attack with 4/24 in his four overs. Dhakal claimed the final two wickets as Pokhara were dismissed for 121 in 19 overs, falling 30 runs short.
The match also marked Chamika Karunaratne's first appearance as Pokhara captain, following Kushal Bhurtel's replacement after the team's three consecutive defeats.
Chitwan Move Up as Pokhara Remain Winless
The victory takes Chitwan Rhinos to five points from four matches, giving their campaign an important boost. Pokhara Avengers, meanwhile, remain without a point after four matches and have now lost all four of their games in NPL 2026.