NPL: Chitwan Sets 177-Run Target for Janakpur

Chitwan Rhinos posted 176/4 against defending champions Janakpur Bolts, setting a 177-run target in the Nepal Premier League.

Chitwan Rhinos have set a target of 177 runs for defending champions Janakpur Bolts in the first match of the day under the ongoing second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) being held in Kathmandu. The match is taking place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Winning the toss, Chitwan opted to bat first and scored 176 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Openers David Malan and Arjun Saud led the innings with impressive half-centuries. Malan contributed 80 runs, while Saud added 52 runs, building a strong 112-run century partnership for the opening wicket.

For Janakpur, bowlers Anil Shah, Rupesh Singh, Maaz Sadaqat, and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton claimed one wicket each. Currently at the bottom of the table with four consecutive losses, Janakpur must win this match to stay mathematically alive in the playoff race. A defeat will eliminate them from the tournament.

Chitwan, who have won two of their four matches so far, aim to strengthen their playoff chances with a victory today. Later in the afternoon at 4:00 PM, the second match will feature Pokhara Avengers against Karnali Yaks.