Sudurpaschim Royals Beat Chitwan Rhinos by 5 Wickets
Kirtipur, Kathmandu — Last season’s finalists Sudurpaschim Royals continued their impressive resurgence in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3, delivering a polished all-round display under the lights at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday night to overcome the previously unbeaten Chitwan Rhinos by five wickets.
Restricting Chitwan to a modest total of 129 for six in 20 overs, Dipendra Singh Airee’s Royals overhauled the 130-run target comfortably, concluding at 131 for five in just 16.4 overs with 20 balls to spare. The result gives Sudurpaschim their second consecutive completed victory, elevating them to five total points (including Saturday’s rain-shared point) from four matches.
- Fixture: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Chitwan Rhinos (Match 11, NPL Season 3)
- Venue: Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
- Chitwan Rhinos: 129/6 in 20.0 overs (Ravi Bopara 49, Bibek Yadav 17; Scott Kuggeleijn 2 wkts)
- Sudurpaschim Royals: 131/5 in 16.4 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 21, Aarif Sheikh 20; Ranjit Kumar 3/28)
- Result: Sudurpaschim Royals won by 5 wickets with 20 balls remaining
Royals Bowling Unit Strangles Chitwan Despite Ravi Bopara’s 49
After Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee won the toss and elected to field under the Kirtipur floodlights, the Royals’ seam and spin attack exerted early pressure, holding Chitwan to 27 for two in the opening six overs.
Former England international Ravi Bopara mounted a resilient counter-attack from No. 4, compiling 49 off 40 deliveries (three fours, two sixes) alongside Dawid Malan (16) and Sikandar Raza (15). However, disciplined bowling from New Zealand recruit Scott Kuggeleijn (two wickets), Hemant Dhami, Dipendra Singh Airee, and left-arm spinner Anil Kharel restricted Chitwan to 129 for six.
Sherfane Rutherford and Aarif Sheikh Seal Clinical 16.4-Over Chase
Chasing 130 for victory, Sudurpaschim maintained control of the required rate throughout the innings. Despite Chitwan spinner Ranjit Kumar claiming three wickets for 28 runs in the middle overs, the Royals’ batting depth proved decisive.
West Indian power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford struck an unbeaten 21 off 15 deliveries (two fours, one six), partnering with Nepal middle-order batter Aarif Sheikh (20 not out off 26 balls) to steer the chase safely home with more than three overs to spare.
Net Run Rate and Standings Boost
Having claimed consecutive wins over Pokhara Avengers (by six wickets) and Chitwan Rhinos (by five wickets) with plenty of deliveries unbowled, Sudurpaschim Royals have significantly bolstered their Net Run Rate and solidified their contention for the NPL playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the margin of victory for Sudurpaschim Royals?
Sudurpaschim Royals won by five wickets, chasing down 130 runs in 16.4 overs with 20 balls to spare.
Who top-scored for Chitwan Rhinos?
English all-rounder Ravi Bopara top-scored with 49 runs off 40 deliveries.
Who bowled best for Sudurpaschim Royals?
Pacer Scott Kuggeleijn claimed two wickets, supported by tight spells from Anil Kharel and Dipendra Singh Airee.
How many points does Sudurpaschim Royals have?
Sudurpaschim Royals hold five points on the standings from four matches (two wins, one loss, and one rain no-result).
