Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks Win on Day 2 of NPL 2026 in Kirtipur

Kirtipur, Kathmandu — Day 2 of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) delivered gripping cricket under the Kirtipur sun on Tuesday, as Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks earned hard-fought opening victories at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. In two closely contested encounters, Chitwan held their nerve to edge Biratnagar Kings by eight runs in the morning fixture before Karnali successfully defended 132 runs to defeat Janakpur Bolts by 19 runs in the afternoon clash.

The Nepal Premier League is the country’s marquee domestic Twenty20 competition, featuring eight franchises playing 20 overs per side. Following Tuesday’s results, Chitwan and Karnali joined defending champions Lumbini Lions at the summit of the early standings with two points apiece.

• Match 2: Chitwan Rhinos 157/3 beat Biratnagar Kings 149 all out by 8 runs
• Match 3: Karnali Yaks 132/9 beat Janakpur Bolts 113 all out by 19 runs
• Top Performers: Dawid Malan (70 off 50), Kamal Singh Airee (4/26), Ariful Islam (43 off 29), Yunis Thakuri (3 wkts)
• Venue: Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Malan’s Fluent 70 and Airee’s Four-Wicket Spell Halt Biratnagar

In Tuesday’s morning encounter, Biratnagar Kings won the toss and opted to bowl. Chitwan Rhinos capitalized on solid foundation work, constructing 157 for three in their 20 overs. Marquee English top-order batsman Dawid Malan steered the innings with a composed 70 from 50 balls, punctuated by seven boundaries and two sixes. Captain Ravi Bopara provided late impetus with an unbeaten 31 from 26 deliveries alongside Dan Mousley’s 29.

Chasing 158, Biratnagar looked threatening through aggressive cameos from Imran Sheikh (39), West Indian power-hitter Andre Russell (33), and Lokesh Bam (26). However, Nepal national pacer Kamal Singh Airee completely altered the trajectory of the contest. With Biratnagar needing just 16 runs off 10 balls, Airee produced a magical spell to dismiss both Russell and Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews in the penultimate over, finishing with match-winning figures of 4 for 26 in 3.3 overs.

Left-arm pacer Rijan Dhakal subsequently removed Biratnagar skipper Sandeep Lamichhane for a duck to bowl the Kings out for 149 in 19.3 overs. “It was an incredible feeling to step up and deliver when Andre Russell was striking so cleanly,” Airee said after collecting his Player of the Match award.

Disciplined Bowling Powers Karnali Past Janakpur Bolts

The afternoon clash proved equally attritional as Janakpur Bolts elected to field after winning the toss. Janakpur skipper Harmeet Singh delivered an exceptional spell of left-arm spin, picking up 3 for 22 from four overs including a maiden over, leaving Karnali reeling at three down inside the powerplay.

Karnali captain Ariful Islam restored parity with an assertive 43 off 29 balls, while all-rounder Pawan Sarraf struck 37 to guide their side to a battling 132 for nine in 20 overs. Janakpur’s chase never gained requisite momentum against Karnali’s disciplined seamers. Yunis Thakuri and Pakistani overseas professional Talat Hussain ripped through the Bolts middle order with three wickets each, while Nandan Yadav took 2 for 18.

Despite late resistance from Abhishek Tiwari (20) and Harmeet Singh (19), Janakpur were bowled out for 113 in 19.2 overs, granting Karnali Yaks a commanding 19-run triumph and their first points of Season 3.

Standings Overview and Today’s Schedule

Across the first three matches of NPL Season 3, Lumbini Lions, Chitwan Rhinos, and Karnali Yaks each have one victory from one match. Defending champions Lumbini retain first place on net run rate after dismissing Sudurpaschim Royals for 87 on Monday. Tournament action continues on Wednesday with a solitary fixture as Pokhara Avengers make their 2026 debut against Sudurpaschim Royals at Tonight · 5:00 PM NPT in Kirtipur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What were the final scores on Day 2 of NPL 2026?

Chitwan Rhinos (157/3) defeated Biratnagar Kings (149 in 19.3 overs) by 8 runs. Karnali Yaks (132/9) defeated Janakpur Bolts (113 in 19.2 overs) by 19 runs.

Who top-scored for Chitwan Rhinos against Biratnagar?

Dawid Malan anchored Chitwan’s innings with a masterclass 70 off 50 deliveries.

How many wickets did Kamal Singh Airee take for Chitwan Rhinos?

Kamal Singh Airee took 4 for 26 in 3.3 overs, capturing the key wickets of Andre Russell and Angelo Mathews.

Which team is currently atop the NPL 2026 points table?

Lumbini Lions lead the standings on net run rate (+4.120), level on two points with Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks.