Chitwan Rhinos secured a dominant 87-run victory over Pokhara Avengers in the second match of the ongoing Nepal Premier League at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Tuesday.

Put to bat first, Chitwan set a challenging target of 162 runs, which Pokhara failed to chase, being bowled out for a mere 74 in 13.2 overs—the lowest total in this year’s tournament so far.

Pokhara’s innings got off to a disastrous start, losing six wickets for just seven runs within four overs. Sohail Tanveer struck in the first over, claiming three wickets, including Pokhara captain Kushal Bhurtel for a golden duck. Rijan Dhakal followed up with another hat-trick in the fourth over, leaving the Avengers reeling.

Narayan Joshi top-scored for Pokhara with a gritty 30 off 24 balls, including three fours and two sixes.

For Chitwan, Tanveer, Dhakal, and Luc Benkenstein each claimed three wickets, while Deepak Bohora picked up one.

Earlier, Chitwan’s batting effort was anchored by Ravi Bopara’s 51 off 38 balls, supported by captain Kushal Malla, who smashed 38 off 23 balls with four sixes. The pair’s 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket proved pivotal after Chitwan found themselves at 46-3 in the powerplay.

Raymon Reifer and Bas de Leede picked up two wickets each for Pokhara, with Sagar Dhakal adding one to his tally.

The win places Chitwan in a strong position in the league, following their earlier victory over Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets. Pokhara will look to recover quickly from this embarrassing defeat as the tournament progresses.