Chitwan Rhinos registered a commanding five-wicket win against Kathmandu Gurkhas in the second match of the Nepal Premier League at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Monday.

Winning the toss, Chitwan elected to field, a decision that paid off handsomely. Sohail Tanvir delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming 5-21 in his four overs, decimating Kathmandu’s top order. He was ably supported by Rijan Dhakal, Kushal Malla, Amar Routela, and Luc Benkenstein, who each picked up a wicket while maintaining tight lines.

Kathmandu struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 111-9 in 20 overs. Michael Levitt was the top scorer with a quickfire 25 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Sumit Maharjan anchored the innings with 29 off 41, but the rest of the batters failed to make significant contributions, with the team managing a run rate of just 5.55.

Chasing a target of 112, Chitwan’s innings got off to a shaky start. They lost opener Deepak Bohara (7) and Hassan Eisakhil (12) early, both dismissed by Shahab Alam, who finished with impressive figures of 3-20. Luc Benkenstein added a solid 22 off 17 before falling to Gerhard Erasmus, while captain Kushal Malla managed 11.

However, Santosh Karki (28 not out off 31) and Sharad Vesawkar (11 not out off 21) steadied the ship with a cautious partnership, guiding Chitwan to their target in 17.1 overs.

In the second match today, Janakpur Bolts will take on Karnali Yaks.