By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Nov 26, 2025 13:40 PM • 28 views
KIRTIPUR — In a clash that promised high drama at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, the Chitwan Rhinos delivered a statement performance, dismantling the high-flying Biratnagar Kings by 48 runs in the 12th match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025-26 on Wednesday. Snapping the Kings' three-match winning streak, the Rhinos rode on a vintage masterclass from veteran all-rounder Ravi Bopara and a clinical bowling display to breathe new life into their campaign.
The Turning Point: Bopara turns back the clock
After being asked to bat first on a surface that offered early assistance to the bowlers, the Rhinos found themselves navigating choppy waters. The Kings, led by the astute Sandeep Lamichhane, applied early pressure, looking to extend their dominance at the top of the table. However, the script was rewritten by the 39-year-old Bopara. Displaying the temperament that has defined his global T20 career, Bopara anchored the innings before exploding in the death overs. His aggressive half-century—a blistering effort that saw him reach the landmark off just 29 balls—was the catalyst the Rhinos desperately needed. Supported by valuable contributions from the middle order, Bopara powered Chitwan to a formidable total of 174 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The Kings' bowlers, who had been disciplined in previous outings, found no answers to Bopara's calculated assault, conceding momentum at the most crucial juncture of the first innings.
The Chase: Kings Crumble Under Pressure
Chasing 175 for a fourth consecutive victory, Biratnagar needed a solid foundation. Instead, they ran into a spirited Rhinos attack, determined to defend their total. The Kings' top order, which had been instrumental in their earlier successes, failed to fire. The pressure of the asking rate, combined with disciplined lines from the Chitwan seamers, induced mistakes. Wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing the Kings from building any substantial partnerships. Despite the depth in their batting lineup, the Kings never looked in control of the chase, eventually capitulating for a meagre 126 all out. The 48-run margin of defeat was a stark reality check for the table-toppers, exposing cracks in a batting unit that had been mainly untested in steep chases this season.
Match Summary
Chitwan Rhinos: 174/5 (20 ov)
Biratnagar Kings: 126 all out
