Sports
Pokhara Premier League: Sah bats Rhinos to second victory
Hari Shankar Sah slam back-to-back half century as Chitwan Rhinos held its nerve to beat Kathmandu Royals by 13 runs in the Pokhara Premier League Twenty20 match at the Pokhara Stadium on Thursday.Adarsha Dhakal
Hari Shankar Sah slam back-to-back half century as Chitwan Rhinos held its nerve to beat Kathmandu Royals by 13 runs in the Pokhara Premier League Twenty20 match at the Pokhara Stadium on Thursday.
Put in to bat first, Hari Shankar combined with Anil Sah for another modest start in Rhinos’ 149-5 in 20 overs. Bhuwan Karki, Karan KC and skipper Paras Khadka then bowled tightly in the last three overs to restrict Royals to 136-9. Royals were 23-2 when Gaurav Tomar—tournament’s most consistent batsman—stepped in and together with Pawan Sarraf resurrected the innings with a 58-run third wicket partnership. Sarraf scored 28 from 22 balls with three fours and a six before running himself out.
Tomar continued to look good but the Indian batsman lost his wicket while attempting a big shot against skipper Khadka, holing out a catch to Bhuwan Karki. Tomar scored 39 off 34 hitting four boundaries and a six.
Captain Gyanendra Malla put Royals on the edge hitting KC consecutive for a boundary and six leaving the team with 30 to win from the last 20 balls. But KC had his revenge and bowled Malla for 30 the very next ball. Malla’s 22-ball innings included three fours and a six.
With 30 to win from the last 18 balls, Karki bowled an excellent 18th over conceding just two runs to add to a wicket under his belt. KC was hit for a six by Amar Singh Routela in the 19th over but removed the batsman at the cost of seven runs before Khadka took another wicket conceding just three runs. KC took 3-34 and Khadka 2-23. Sunny Patel and Smit also took a wicket each for Rhinos.
Earlier, Hari Shankar and Anil opened with a 54-run first wicket stand that helped build the team to a challenging total. Anil struck run-a-ball 27 with three fours and a six. Khadka (14) and Hari Shankar added another 25 runs before the captain was brilliantly bowled by an inswinger from Nandan Yadav.
Hari Shankar continued to hold the Rhinos innings together and added another 55 runs for the third wicket with Smit, who made 31 off 24 with three fours and one hit over the fence. Man-of-the-match Hari Shankar, who also scored 53 in Rhinos 126-run victory over Dhangadhi Blues on Wednesday, slammed 60 off 49 with five fours and three sixes. Basanta Regmi took two wickets for Royals.
Hari Shankar was happy to contribute for the team. “I was just trying to give my best without doing something extra ordinary. I am enjoying batting at the top order because playing new ball gives me pleasure. I would like to continue this momentum,” said Hari.
Summaries
Chitwan Rhinos 149-5 (H Shah 60, S Patel 31; B Regmi 2-21, P Sarraf 1-21) beat Kathmandu Royals 136-9 (G Tomar 39, G Malla 30; Karan KC 3-34, P Khadka 2-23) by 13 runs
Man-of-the-match: H Shah
Dhangadhi Blues 161-4 (DS Airee 56*, D Lawrence 52; B Khatri 2-22, R Mustaga 1-31) beats Butwal Blasters 141-6 (C Suri 79*, R Mustafa 20; S Dhakal 2-23, D Lawrence 1-25)
by 20 runs
Man-of-the-match: D Lawrence