Chitwan Rhinos kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial 32-run victory over Janakpur Bolts in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday.

Janakpur, chasing a target of 181 runs, were bowled out for 148 in 18 overs, despite a blistering 65-run knock from Jimmy Neesham. The explosive New Zealand all-rounder smashed 5 fours and 6 sixes from just 24 balls but fell to Sohail Tanvir’s bowling after being controversially recalled to the crease following a no-ball call during his dismissal.

Neesham and Mohammad Mohsin had briefly revived Janakpur’s chase with a 60-run partnership from 26 balls but the innings crumbled after Mohsin was run out for 13 runs. The other significant contributions came from Aasif Sheikh, who scored 23 runs from 26 balls, and Shubh Kansakar, who scored 15 of 12 balls.

Earlier in the match, Chitwan Rhinos, opting to bat first, posted a solid total of 180/5 in their 20 overs. Captain Kushal Malla top-scored with 72 runs off 41 balls, hitting 3 fours and 7 sixes, while Ravi Bopara added a steady 44 runs from 32 balls. The pair built a vital 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket, laying the foundation for Chitwan’s total.

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

Janakpur’s Lalit Rajbanshi, the NPL’s leading wicket-taker, took two wickets for just 11 runs from 4 overs, including two maidens. Harsh Thaker, Jimmy Neesham, and Mohammad Mohsin also took one wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to stop Chitwan’s strong total.

This victory helped Chitwan garner 8 points and keep the playoff race alive. Janakpur, already on 10 points and top of the table, lost the chance to secure a direct spot in the qualifiers but will now rely on results from other teams to keep their hopes alive.

With Chitwan’s win, they joined Sudurpaschim Royals and Karnali Yaks in a tight battle for the second to fourth spots, all with 8 points. Kathmandu Gurkhas, which are yet to play one match, sit in fifth with 6 points, while Janakpur’s defeat sees both Biratnagar Kings and Pokhara Avengers eliminated from playoff contention.