Karnali Yaks beat Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs, secures spot in NPL second qualifier

KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks secured their spot in the second qualifier of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs in the eliminator match on Wednesday.

With this victory, Karnali will now play against the loser of the first qualifier for a chance to reach the final. The first qualifier will be played between Sudurpashchim Royals and Janakpur Bolts later today.

Chasing a target of 176 runs set by Karnali, Chitwan could only manage 154 runs, losing 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Ravi Bopara top-scored for Chitwan with 53 runs, hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes off 34 balls.

He completed his half-century in 32 balls but was dismissed by Nandan Yadav, caught by Gulshan Jha.

Captain Kushal Malla contributed 21 runs from 24 balls, including a six, before being bowled by Bipin Sharma.

Luke Benkisten scored 16 runs from 13 balls, with a four and a six, but was dismissed by Zishan Makshud.

Bipin Rawal managed 18 runs from 10 balls with 4 fours before being caught by Gulshan Jha off Sompal Kami’s bowling.

Other notable contributions came from Hassan Isakhil (1 run), Santosh Karki (8), Amarsingh Rautela (9), and Sohail Tanver (4). Sharad Bheswakar remained not out at 10 runs.

For Karnali, Zishan Makshud took 3 wickets, while captain Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav claimed 2 wickets each.

Earlier, Karnali batted first after losing the toss and posted a total of 175/6 in 20 overs. Kulsonwala was the top scorer for Karnali with 53 runs from 39 balls, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes. He completed his half-century in 36 balls but was dismissed by Ravi Bopara, caught by Sharad Bheswakar.

William Bosisto contributed 52 runs from 39 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes. He completed his half-century in 37 balls but was bowled out by Sohail Tanver.

Charles Walton remained not out at 46 runs from 22 balls, smashing 4 fours and 3 sixes.

Dev Khanal added 3 runs from 3 balls before being run out, and Rit Gautam was dismissed on the first ball of the innings, caught behind by wicketkeeper Bipin Rawal off Sohail Tanver’s delivery.

Zeeshan Maqsood scored 14 runs from 12 balls, with a four and a six, before being caught by Ranjit Kumar off Sharad Bheswakar.

In the bowling department, Tanveer claimed 2 wickets, while Bopara, Sharad, and Kushal Malla each took 1 wicket for Chitwan.

Karnali had earlier defeated Chitwan in the league stage as well, continuing their dominant performance.