Ranjit’s fifer and Bopara’s Fifty halt Biratnagar’s unbeaten streak

Chitwan Rhinos’ young spinner Ranjit Kumar clipped a five-wicket haul as Chitwan Rhinos have ended Biratnagar King's unbeaten run in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025. 

After spending the first two matches on the bench, the 19-year-old left-arm spinner finally got his chance in Chitwan’s third game, and he turned it into a memorable performance. 

Chitwan had defeated Karnali Yaks in their first match but lost to Lumbini Lions in the second. When Ranjit was included against Biratnagar Kings; who had been unbeaten until then, few expected the impact he would make. But his brilliant spell dismantled Biratnagar’s strong batting lineup and steered Chitwan to a convincing 48-run victory. 

Ranjit single-handedly claimed five wickets, ending Biratnagar’s three-match unbeaten streak. This was a major upset, as Biratnagar had started the season in dominant fashion. However, the match unfolded very differently from expectations. 

Chitwan were powered by an excellent half-century from England’s seasoned campaigner Ravi Bopara before Ranjit delivered a game-changing bowling performance. Unsurprisingly, Ranjit Kumar was named Player of the Match. 

Biratnagar, chasing a target of 175, lost opener Lokesh Bam early in the second over. Australian debutant Sam Heazlett walked in next, but pressure continued to build when George Munsey fell in the third over. 

Ranjit was introduced in the fifth over, and the momentum of the match swiftly shifted. Though Heazlett struck him for a six, Ranjit trapped him lbw the very next delivery and then removed Basir Ahmad later in the same over. 

He struck again in his next spell, dismissing Naren Bhatt at the end of the seventh over. After a wicketless third over, he returned for his final over and picked up two more scalps; Narayan Joshi and Surya Tamang, completing his five-wicket haul. 

By the 11th over, Biratnagar were reeling at 54 for 7. Although Merchant de Lange and Pratish GC attempted late resistance, the damage was already irreversible. 

After the match, Ranjit said he entered the field with a clear plan and confidence that it was going to be his day. He credited his teammates and the experienced foreign players for their guidance and support during crucial moments.

Earlier, Chitwan posted a total of 174-5 in their 20 overs, thanks to another half century from Englishman Ravi Bopara who scored 65 off 38 balls. Given a lifeline when Pratish GC dropped his catch at deep midwicket while he was on 4, Bopara made Biratnagar pay by adding 61 more runs. 

That dropped catch turned out to be costly, as Bopara went on to register his third straight half-century of the season, fourth overall including last season’s playoff match. His consistent form has become a backbone for Chitwan’s batting unit. At the time of the dropped catch, Chitwan were 73 for 3 and could easily have slipped to 73 for 4, potentially shifting the momentum entirely in Biratnagar’s favor.

Biratnagar entered the match full of confidence after winning their first three games against Pokhara Avengers, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Janakpur Bolts. But against Chitwan, they were thoroughly outplayed. Ranjit’s breakthrough spell and Bopara’s composed innings were the defining factors that ended Biratnagar’s winning run. 

In the points table, Biratnagar remain in second place with six points from four matches, while Chitwan have climbed to third with four points from three games.