Chitwan Rhinos handed Biratnagar Kings their first defeat of the second season of Nepal Premier League on Wednesday, cruising to a 48-run victory at the TU International Cricket Ground after a commanding all-round display led by Ravi Bopara and Ranjit Kumar.

Chasing a target of 175, Biratnagar were bundled out for 126 in 16.5 overs after collapsing early in the powerplay. The Kings lost four wickets inside the first six overs and were reeling at 39-5, struggling to recover against disciplined Rhinos bowling.

Ranjit produced the standout spell of the tournament, returning figures of 5 for 21—this season’s first five-wicket haul.

Kamal Airee supported him with two wickets.

For Biratnagar, Marchant de Lange top-scored with 39 off 22 balls, while Sam Heazlett chipped in with 22 from 11. Pratish GC added late resistance with a brisk 30 off 12, but the effort proved insufficient.

Earlier, Bopara’s third consecutive half-century powered Chitwan to 174 for five from their 20 overs.

The English all-rounder struck a fluent 65 off 38 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. He shared a 56-run stand for the fifth wicket with captain Kushal Malla, who remained unbeaten on 20.

Chitwan had stumbled early at 24 for two after losing openers Deepak Bohara (5) and Dawid Malan (17).

Dev Khanal stabilised the innings with 28 before being caught off Sandeep Lamichhane, thanks to a sharp grab from Heazlett near the rope. Saif Zaib contributed a steady 32 that included a four and a six.

The win lifts Chitwan to four points from three matches, while Biratnagar stay on six after suffering their first setback of the campaign.