By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Nov 28, 2025 09:31 AM • 18 views
KIRTIPUR — In a match defined by a dramatic shift in momentum, the Kathmandu Gorkhas delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat the high-flying Chitwan Rhinos by 53 runs in Match 15 of the Nepal Premier League at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. What began as a disastrous morning for the Gorkhas turned into a statement victory, primarily driven by John Simpson's counter-attacking half-century and a suffocating bowling effort that skittled the Rhinos for just 89 runs.
The Rescue Act: Simpson and Kumar Rebuild
After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the Gorkhas found themselves in immediate trouble. The Chitwan seamers utilised the early moisture effectively, reducing the Kathmandu top order to rubble at 24 for 3 inside the powerplay. The cheap dismissals of the top three, including Ben Charlesworth, threatened to derail the innings before it had truly begun.
Enter John Simpson and Milind Kumar. The duo orchestrated a match-winning rescue, stitching together a partnership that not only arrested the slide but transferred the pressure back onto the Rhinos. While Kumar played the role of the anchor with a composed 38 off 43 balls, Simpson was the aggressor. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed a belligerent 60 off just 29 deliveries, scoring at a strike rate of over 200. His innings, peppered with five sixes and three boundaries, was the differentiator on a pitch where most batters struggled for timing.
Despite a late-order wobble that saw the Gorkhas lose their last five wickets for just 20 runs—crumbling from 122/4 to 142 all out in 19.4 overs—the total proved to be far more than competitive.
Rhinos' Chase Derails Early
Chasing 143 for victory, the Chitwan Rhinos required a steady start, but the Gorkhas' attack had other plans. The chase never gathered momentum, with the Rhinos losing wickets at regular intervals. Deepak Bohara perished early for a duck, setting the tone for the innings. While seasoned campaigners Ravi Bopara (21 off 23) and Dev Khanal (21 off 18) threatened briefly, neither could convert their starts into the match-defining knock their team desperately needed. The Gorkhas' bowlers hunted as a pack, offering no freebies and capitalising on the mounting required run rate. The introduction of spin and the discipline of the seamers proved too much for the Rhinos' middle order. The batting lineup, which has been formidable in the tournament so far, folded meekly, collapsing to 89 all out in 17.2 overs.
Bowling Dominance
Kathmandu's defence was spearheaded by a collective effort. Karan KC, Shahab Alam, and Milind Kumar were the architects of the Rhinos' destruction. Shahab Alam was miserly and penetrative, returning figures of 2/26. Karan KC (2/23) struck key blows to ensure no partnership could flourish. Milind Kumar capped off a fine all-round day with 2/18, removing key resistance in the middle overs.
The Analyst's Take
This victory is a significant morale booster for the Kathmandu Gorkhas. Recovering from 24/3 to win by such a large margin showcases the team's resilience and depth. John Simpson's knock was undoubtedly the turning point; on a day where the next highest score in the match was 38, his 60 was gold dust. For the Chitwan Rhinos, this was a reality check. Their bowlers did well to restrict the Gorkhas to 142, but the failure to wrap up the tail quickly and the subsequent batting capitulation will be areas of concern for the management. The Gorkhas have proven they can win ugly. By defending a modest total with aggressive bowling and sharp fielding, they have thrown the NPL points table wide open.
