Bopara, Bohara earn Chitwan the first win of NPL 2025

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Nov 18, 2025

Chitwan Rhinos defeated Karnali Yaks in the first match of Tuesday's NPL double header, avenging their two losses against the same side last season.

Batting first after losing the toss, Karnali posted 166 for 3 in 20 overs, largely built around a superb 90 from Indian opener Priyank Panchal, who anchored the innings with controlled stroke play.

Despite wickets in hand, Karnali struggled to accelerate in the final overs, leaving their total slightly short on a batting-friendly wicket.

Chitwan made a confident start to the chase, with opener Deepak Bohara providing stability at the top through a well-paced 42 off 36 balls.

Captain Kushal Malla chipped in with a brisk cameo of 20 to keep the required rate in check. The innings, however, was shaped decisively by English veteran Ravi Bopara, whose 54 from 36 balls balanced composure and aggression.

His partnership-building approach, followed by calculated boundary-hitting, turned the match in Chitwan’s favour. Saif Zaib’s explosive 38 off just 16 balls further tilted the game, especially after he survived an early dropped catch.

Zaib was dropped by Nandan Yadav at long-off, a moment that proved costly for Karnali. Chitwan eventually sealed the win on the first ball of the final over, finishing at 171 for 6.

After the match, Karnali captain Sompal Kami acknowledged that dropped catches were pivotal but insisted that such moments are part of the game.

He remained optimistic about his team’s chances, emphasizing that the tournament is long and offers enough time for a strong comeback.