Kathmandu: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) delivered two high-voltage matches on Tuesday as Chitwan Rhinos and Biratnagar Kings opened their campaigns with convincing victories at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
The day began with Chitwan Rhinos defeating Karnali Yaks by four wickets, finally breaking their losing streak against Karnali from the previous season. In the second fixture, Biratnagar Kings produced a ruthless, record-breaking performance to outclass Pokhara Avengers by 53 runs.
Chitwan Rhinos Beat Karnali Yaks for the First Time in NPL
Chasing 167, Chitwan reached 171/6 in 19.1 overs. English all rounder Ravi Bopara anchored the chase with a composed 51 off 35 balls, hitting 3 fours and 3 sixes.
Opener Deepak Bohara contributed a steady 42, while Saif Ali Jaib blasted 38 off just 16 balls with 4 sixes.
Earlier, Karnali posted 166/3 after opting to bat. Indian opener Priyank Panchal was the standout performer of the innings with a brilliant 90 off 48 balls, smashing 7 fours and 6 sixes. He shared partnerships of 61 with Max O’Dowd (20) and 63 with Mark Watt (16). Pawan Sarraf added an unbeaten 27 off 16 balls.
For Chitwan, Sohail Ranveer, Saif Jaib and Ravi Bopara picked one wicket each. Karnali’s captain Sompal Kami bagged 2 wickets, while Mark Watt, Yuvraj Khatri and Unish Singh took one apiece.
This was Chitwan’s first-ever win over Karnali in NPL history having lost twice against them in the inaugural season.
Record-Breaking Biratnagar Kings Crush Pokhara Avengers
The second match was completely one-sided. Biratnagar Kings hammered 220/6 the highest team total in NPL history shattering Lumbini Lions’ previous record of 191 runs.
Openers Lokesh Bam and New Zealand star Martin Guptill set the tone with dominating half-centuries, becoming the first pair this season to score fifties in the same innings.
Lokesh smashed 72 off 48 balls, hitting 7 sixes and a four, while Guptill struck 61 off 35 balls with 3 fours and 5 sixes. Shubham Ranjane added a fiery 38 off 16, and Basir Ahmed chipped in with 23.
Chasing 221, Pokhara Avengers were bowled out for 167 in 18.5 overs. Captain Kushal Bhurtel played a lone hand with a fighting 59. Adam Rossington scored 39 and Dan Douthwaite added 29, but no other batter crossed double digits.
Biratnagar’s disciplined attack ensured regular breakthroughs. Pratish GC, Shubham Ranjane, Marchant de Lange and captain Sandeep Lamichhane each took two wickets. Basir Ahmed and Surya Tamang picked one each.
Pokhara’s bowlers endured a tough outing, conceding 10 fours and 17 sixes.
Sagar Dhakal and Kushal Bhurtel claimed key wickets of Guptill and Lokesh, while Matt Taylor took two wickets but remained expensive.
Overall Takeaway
Both matches highlighted a balanced showcase of Nepali and foreign talent. Chitwan delivered a composed chase anchored by Bopara, while Biratnagar lit up the evening with a record total powered by Lokesh and Guptill. The contrasting styles tight chase and explosive batting set a thrilling tone for the NPL 2025 season.
(Key- Nepal Premier League, Chitwan Rhinos vs Kathmandu Gurkhas, Pokhara Avengers vs Biratnagar Superkings, Deepak Bohara innings, Lokesh Bam fifty, Martin Guptill partnership, Ravi Bopara knock, Aryan Lakra spell, NPL 2025 match highlights, Nepal cricket news, NPL live score, NPL match report)
