Kathmandu, Nov 13: Janakpur Bolts have been eliminated from the league stage of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) following a four-wicket defeat against Chitwan Rhinos on Friday night. Meanwhile, Chitwan kept their playoff hopes alive with the victory.
Chasing a modest target of 89 runs, Chitwan reached 92 for the loss of six wickets in 17.2 overs to seal a four-wicket win.
David Malan top-scored for Chitwan with an unbeaten 35 off 39 deliveries, including a six. Kushal Malla contributed 15 runs, while Ravi Bopara and Kamal Mishra added 13 and 12 runs respectively.
For Janakpur, Rahul Yadav was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 19 runs in his three overs. Lalit Rajbanshi picked up two wickets, while Bishal Sushling took one.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Janakpur struggled to build momentum and managed just 88 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Harmeet Singh was the top scorer with 25 runs, while Bishal Sushling made 15 and Santosh Karki contributed 10. The rest of the batting lineup failed to reach double figures.
For Chitwan, Ranjit Kumar led the bowling attack with three wickets. Sikandar Raza and Kamal Mishra claimed two wickets each, while Kamal Singh Airee and Rijan Dhakal took one apiece.
With the win, Chitwan moved up to fourth place with seven points from six matches, keeping their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive. Janakpur, meanwhile, remained sixth with four points from seven matches and were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
