Janakpur Bolts claimed their first win of the Nepal Premier League on Tuesday, defeating Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets after explosive half-centuries from Anil Sah and Maaz Sadaqat powered a successful chase of 177 at Kirtipur.

Sah struck 61 off 36 balls and Sadaqat smashed 63 off just 30 as Janakpur raced to 180-4 in 17.3 overs. The pair rescued the innings after Aasif Sheikh fell for 18, adding a brisk 79 from 37 balls to seize control of the match. Player of the match Sah hit four fours and three sixes, while Sadaqat lashed six fours and four sixes.

Janakpur made bold selection changes ahead of the fixture, dropping Lalit Rajbanshi and Kishore Mahato after poor returns earlier in the season. Sah and Sachin Bhatta came into the XI, with Wayne Parnell captaining the side despite Sah’s return. The champions, who had lost their first four matches, now keep their faint hopes of reaching the play-offs alive.

Chitwan, meanwhile, were left with two wins and three losses from five matches and will face Sudurpaschim Royals in their final group game on Thursday.

Earlier, Chitwan rode a commanding 112-run opening stand between Dawid Malan and Arjun Saud to post 176-4 after electing to bat. Sadaqat bowled a maiden first over, but Chitwan recovered to reach 76 by the 10-over mark. Malan top-scored with 80 off 54 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes, capitalising on several dropped catches—including one by Sah when Malan was on 35. Saud made 52 off 39 balls before falling to Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.

Saif Zaib (7) and Ravi Bopara (3) departed cheaply, while captain Kushal Malla added a late flourish with an unbeaten 30 off 14. Amar was not out on one.

For Janakpur, Sah, Rupesh Singh, Sadaqat and Loftie-Eaton took a wicket apiece.