Karnali Yaks defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs in the eliminator of the Nepal Premier League at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Karnali posted a competitive 176-run target, while Chitwan fell short, managing just 154-9 in 20 overs.

The win ensures Karnali’s place in the qualifier, where they will face a chance to secure a spot in the final, while Chitwan Rhinos exit the tournament.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, Chitwan started strongly as Sohail Tanvir dismissed Karnali opener Rit Gautam for a duck in the very first over. However, Jaykishan Kolsawala and Zeeshan Maqsood steadied the innings, adding 29 runs for the second wicket. Kolsawala’s fluent 53 off 39 balls, featuring six boundaries and two sixes, anchored the Yaks’ innings before he fell in the 13th over.

William Bosisto played a key role with a composed 52 off 39 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Chadwick Walton provided late fireworks with an explosive unbeaten 46 off just 23 balls, including four fours and three sixes, pushing Karnali to a formidable total.

Chitwan’s bowlers had mixed success. Sohail Tanvir was the pick, taking two wickets for 24 runs. Ravi Bopara, Sharad Vesawkar, and Kushal Malla chipped in with a wicket each, but their efforts couldn’t prevent Karnali from reaching 175.

Chasing 176, Chitwan faced early setbacks as Sompal Kami dismissed both Hassan Eisakhil and Bipin Rawal in the powerplay. Luc Benkenstein and Kushal Malla attempted to rebuild but couldn’t convert their starts, falling for 16 and 21 runs, respectively. Ravi Bopara top-scored with a spirited 53 off 34 balls, smashing three fours and four sixes.

Despite Bopara’s efforts, Chitwan struggled to maintain momentum. Zeeshan Maqsood dismantled the middle order, finishing with figures of 3-26. Nandan Yadav and Sompal Kami also contributed with two wickets each, as Chitwan’s innings concluded at 154-9.