Karnali Yaks Defeats Chitwan Rhinos, Advances to NPL Qualifiers

Karnali Yaks secured a spot in the second qualifier of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 Cricket Tournament with a 21-run victory over Chitwan Rhinos in the eliminator match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur today.

With this win, Karnali Yaks will face the losing team from today’s first qualifier match between Janakpur Bolts and Sudurpaschim Royals for a chance to enter the final. The winner of the first qualifier will directly advance to the championship game.

Chasing a target of 176 runs set by Karnali Yaks, Chitwan Rhinos managed to score only 154 runs for nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Ravi Bopara led the Rhinos’ batting with 53 runs off 34 balls, hitting four sixes and three boundaries. Contributions also came from captain Kushal Malla (21), Bipin Rawal (18), Luc Benkestein (16), and Sharad Vesawkar (10), but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact.

Karnali Yaks’ bowling attack was led by Zeeshan Maqsood, who claimed three wickets, while Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav took two each. Bipin Sharma added one wicket to the tally.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks posted 175 runs for six wickets in 20 overs after being invited to bat first. Jaykishan Kolsawala top-scored with 53 runs off 39 balls, supported by William Bosisto with 52 and Chadwick Walton, who remained unbeaten on 46. Zeeshan Maqsood chipped in with 14 runs.

For Chitwan Rhinos, Sohail Tanvir took two wickets, while Sharad Vesawkar, Kushal Malla, and Ravi Bopara each claimed one wicket.

Notably, Karnali Yaks also defeated Chitwan Rhinos in the league stage of the tournament, reinforcing their dominance over the Rhinos in this year’s NPL.