A scintillating and pulsating unbeaten 66 from the Pakistan-born Hong Kong international, Babar Hayat, helped Chitwan Rhinos score a six-wicket win over the defending champions Pokhara Paltan on Tuesday at the Pokhara grounds.

Chitwan had ended runners-up in the previous edition of the Pokhara Premier League.

After winning the toss, Chitwan put in to bat the home side and shot them out for a paltry 107 in their allotted 20 overs.

Pokhara lost wickets at quick intervals and they found themselves reeling at 50-4 by the 12th over. A brief stand between skipper Sharad Vesawkar and Kushal Malla lifted their spirits, however. The pair added 36 runs in a fifth-wicket partnership before Malla (13) was bowled by Sunny Patel.

Pokhara then lost their remaining five wickets for just 15 runs. Vesawkar top-scored for Pokhara, missing his half-century by only five runs. His innings of 45 runs, included three fours and three sixes.

Prathamesh Dake and Sarabjit Ladda were out for ducks, while Rashid Khan (10) was the last Pokhara wicket to fall in the 20th over.

Bhuvan Karki, Rohan Mustafa and Patel were the most successful Chitwan bowlers, picking up two wickets apiece. Karan KC, Bikram Sob and former Nepal captain, Paras Khadka took a wicket each.

In reply, despite a poor start, Chitwan reached their target with 31 balls to spare. They were reduced to 58-4 in the 9th over, but a 50-run partnership between Hayat and Sunny Patel saw them through. Rashid Khan and Ladda were the only Pokhara bowlers to pick wickets, each taking two.

Two matches of the league are scheduled for Wednesday. Expert Dhangadi will play against Kathmandu Golden Warriors in the first game, to be followed by a match between Biratnagar Titans and Pokhara Paltan.