Sudurpaschim Royals climbed from seventh to third in the Nepal Premier League standings after beating Chitwan Rhinos by five wickets in Monday’s second match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

After being asked to bat first, Chitwan managed 129 for six in their 20 overs against a disciplined Sudurpaschim bowling attack. The Royals chased down the target in 16.4 overs, securing their second win in four matches.

It was Chitwan’s first defeat in three matches. They remain fourth in the standings with three points.

Sudurpaschim lost both openers early, with Saif Zaib making two and Binod Bhandari 11. But Brandon McMullen, who had been left out of the previous match, provided the impetus with a 21-ball 43.

McMullen immediately took on Rijan Dhakal, hitting three fours and a six in one over. However, Ranjit Kumar brought Chitwan back into contention by dismissing McMullen and Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee off consecutive deliveries. Airee was bowled for a golden duck.

Ishan Pandey made 25 off 29 balls, hitting two fours, before falling to the Chitwan attack.

Aarif Sheikh remained unbeaten on 20 off 26 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford contributed 21 off 15 deliveries, including two fours and a six, to guide Sudurpaschim home.

Ranjit Kumar was Chitwan’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 28 runs in four overs. Rijan Dhakal and Mousom Dhakal claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Chitwan lost Dev Khanal for seven runs. His opening partner Dawid Malan scored 16 off 17 balls, while Arjun Saud made 15 off 16, with each batter hitting a four and a six.

Chitwan were led by Sikandar Raza, who made 15 off 20 balls, including a four. The Zimbabwean all-rounder had missed the previous match because of his international commitments with Zimbabwe, when Ravi Bopara captained the side.

Kushal Malla, who captained Chitwan in the previous two seasons, was also absent from Monday’s playing XI.

Bopara top-scored with 49 off 40 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. During his innings, he also reached the milestone of 10,000 runs in T20 cricket across all competitions.

For Sudurpaschim, Scott Kuggeleijn took two wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. Hemant Dhami, Dipendra Singh Airee and Anil Kharel claimed one wicket each.