Sudurpashchim Royals suffers first loss in NPL against Chitwan Rhinos

KATHMANDU: Sudurpashchim Royals suffered their first defeat in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Saturday.

In the fourth match of the tournament, they were defeated by Chitwan Rhinos by 33 runs.

Chitwan Rhinos set a target of 165 runs, and Sudurpashchim Royals were bowled out for 131 runs in 18.2 overs.

Ishan Pandey was the top scorer for Sudurpashchim, making 35 runs off 19 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six, before being dismissed by Amar Singh Raute.

Saif Zaib added 18 runs from 11 balls, while Vinod Bhandari scored 10 runs, Dilpreet Bajwa made 12, and Naren Saud contributed 10 runs from 8 balls.

For Chitwan, captain Kushal Malla, Jan Nicholas Lefty Eaton, and Amar Singh Raute each claimed 2 wickets. Rijan Dhakal and Ranjit Kumal took 1 wicket each.

Earlier, at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur, Chitwan won the toss and chose to bat, posting 164/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chitwan’s opener, Hassan Isakhil, top-scored with 65 runs off 52 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. He was caught by Naresh Budha off Scott Kuggeleijn’s bowling.

Ravi Bopara contributed 36 runs from 18 balls, with 2 fours and 2 sixes, before being dismissed by Dipendra Singh Airee in the final over.

Captain Kushal Malla made 13 runs off 16 balls, falling to Kuggeleijn. Wicketkeeper Bipin Rawal was dismissed after scoring 17 runs off Jeb’s bowling.

For Sudurpashchim, Scott Kuggeleijn was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets. Saf Jeb, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Brendan McCullum each claimed 1 wicket.

Sudurpashchim Royals had previously won their first three matches against Biratnagar, Kathmandu Gurkhas, and Lumbini, but this was their first loss.

Chitwan Rhinos secured their third victory in the tournament after winning their first two games. They had previously lost to Karnali after defeating Kathmandu and Pokhara.

In the first match of the day, Janakpur Bolts narrowly defeated Lumbini Lions by 1 run.

Janakpur’s victory marked their fourth consecutive win, while Lumbini Lions suffered their fourth straight loss.

There are no matches scheduled for Monday in the league.