KATHMANDU: In their Nepal Premier League match against Chitwan Rhinos on Monday at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, the Kathmandu Gurkhas struggled to reach a modest 112-run goal. Chitwan's decision to bowl first was successful, setting the tone for a powerful performance.

Kathmandu's batting lineup was dismantled from the start by Sohail Tanvir's superb bowling. He removed opener Stephen Eskinazi for two runs in the first over, followed by Michael Levitt, who hit a fast 25 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Levitt's expulsion in the fourth over interrupted Kathmandu's momentum.

Sumit Maharjan tried to secure the innings with careful 29 runs off 41 balls, but his attempts were foiled by a lack of support at the other end. Key players such as Gerhard Erasmus and Bhim Sharki were knocked out easily on the powerplay, leaving the club in a perilous situation at 34-4.

Shankar Rana's slight contribution of 16 runs off 17 balls, and Dan Douthwaite's 19 off 18 toward the end, provided some resistance, but the Gurkhas eventually crumbled under constant pressure. Amar Routela's disciplined bowling, combined with timely breakthroughs, prevented the opposition from recovering.

Tanvir stood up as the best performer, scoring 5-21. He was nicely assisted by Amar Routela, who bowled efficiently with 1-9, and Rijan Dhakal, who provided 1-22. The Chitwan bowlers bowled tight spells, holding Kathmandu to a low total.