In a high-stakes Nepal Premier League (NPL) match crucial for playoff qualification, Chitwan Rhinos set an imposing target of 181 runs for Janakpur Bolts at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Thursday.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Chitwan posted 180 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Kushal Malla and Ravi Bopara were instrumental, forging a game-changing 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Skipper Kushal top-scored with 72 runs off 41 balls, hitting three fours and seven sixes before being caught by Anil Shah off James Neesham’s delivery. Ravi Bopara added a steady 44 runs off 32 balls, including five fours and a six, but fell to Lalit Rajbanshi, with Shah taking another sharp catch.

Opener Hassan Eisakhil contributed 28 runs before being caught behind by Lahiru Milantha off Harsh Thaker. Basil Hameed and Sohail Tanvir remained unbeaten on 2 and 5 runs, respectively. Bipin Rawal and Santosh Karki were dismissed cheaply for 3 and 14 runs.