On Kushal Malla's half-century, Chitwan Rhinos set a target of 181 runs to Janakpur Bolts in Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket on Saturday. Chitwan scored 180-5 after Kushal scored 72 runs on his own decision to bat after winning the toss at the Trivi Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
After Kushal and Ravi Bopara shared 113 runs in 67 balls for the fourth wicket, Chitwan made a strong score. Kushal hit 3 fours and 7 sixes while playing 41 balls. Bopara scored 44 runs by hitting 5 fours and 1 six off 32 balls.
Bipin Rawal scored only 3 runs and was dismissed by Lalit Rajvanshi. Santosh Karki was bowled by Mohammad Mohsin for 14 runs. Opener Hasan Isakhil scored 28 runs with 4 fours and 1 six off 19 balls. NPL's highest wicket taker Lalit Rajwanshi took 2 wickets. He spent only 11 runs keeping 2 maidens in 4 overs. Harsh Thakar, Jimmy Nisham and Mohammad Mohsin took 1 wicket each.
Janakpur is in the first place with 10 points and has confirmed its place in the playoffs. Chitwan is in fourth place with 6 points. If Janakpur wins, they will reach Qualifiers 1. If Chitwan wins, there is a strong chance of reaching the playoffs by being in the top four of the team.
Chitwan, defeated by Biratnagar Kings the previous day, has not changed any players in its team's playing 11. Janakpur defeated Kathmandu Gurkhaz in their last match on Thursday. Janakpur has not changed any player from that team.
