The Nepal Premier League (NPL) saw its first upset of the season as Karnali Yaks secured their maiden victory by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets on Friday. The match, held at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, was crucial for Karnali, who had suffered defeats in their first two encounters. But this time, the Yaks delivered when it mattered most.
Chasing Down the Target
Chasing a target of 131 runs set by Chitwan, Karnali’s chase wasn’t without its challenges. The Yaks achieved the target with just one ball to spare, losing four wickets in the process. It was Shikhar Dhawan’s composed innings that led the charge. The opener played an impressive knock of 45 runs off 41 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six. Dhawan’s steady presence at the crease helped keep the chase on track.
Complementing Dhawan was Chadwick Walton, who contributed a quickfire 30 runs off just 19 balls. Walton’s power hitting included three huge sixes that provided the momentum Karnali needed to reach the target. With these two in the middle, Karnali seemed to be on the right path, but the loss of wickets in the middle overs made the chase a bit more nerve-wracking.
Chitwan Rhinos Struggle to Build Partnerships
Earlier in the day, Chitwan Rhinos, who were put in to bat after losing the toss, were restricted to a total of 130/7 in their 20 overs. Ravi Bopara was the standout performer for the Rhinos, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 59 runs off 40 balls. His knock included seven boundaries and a six, but he lacked support from the other end.
The Rhinos struggled right from the start, as they lost three wickets for just 22 runs in the powerplay. Despite Bopara’s resilience, the Rhinos were unable to recover from the early setbacks. Arjun Bitalu was run out for 11 runs off 10 balls, and the middle-order collapse further hindered their chances of posting a bigger total.
Karnali’s Bowlers Keep Chitwan in Check
Karnali’s bowlers were on top form, with Bipin Sharma leading the charge. Sharma claimed 3 wickets for 21 runs, playing a pivotal role in restricting Chitwan’s scoring. Zeeshan Maqsood also impressed, picking up two wickets, while Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav took a wicket each. The bowlers’ disciplined performance ensured that Chitwan’s scoring rate never got out of hand.
Chitwan’s Bowling Effort Not Enough
Chitwan’s bowlers, including Kushal Malla, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, and Ravi Bopara, tried their best to defend the modest target. Each bowler picked up a wicket, but it wasn’t enough to stop Karnali’s determined chase. Despite a few late wickets falling, Karnali held their nerve and clinched their first win of the season.
A Crucial Victory for Karnali
This win is a much-needed confidence booster for Karnali, who have now broken their losing streak in the tournament. With their first win in hand, the Yaks will look to build on this momentum and climb up the points table as the tournament progresses.
On the other hand, the defeat marked Chitwan Rhinos’ first loss after winning their first two matches. Though they’ve been dominant in the early stages, this setback will be a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.
As Karnali Yaks celebrate their well-earned victory, cricket fans are in for an exciting remainder of the Nepal Premier League. Stay tuned for more thrilling action!
You may also like:
Here is the list of players selected in Category A for the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024, where the bidding Read more
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 auction will feature a total of 142 players. These players will be available for Read more
A total of 163 players participated in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 auction. Below is the complete list of Read more
Here’s the full squad for Biratnagar Kings in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024, after the auction: Marquee Player: Sandeep Read more