KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks defeated Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets on Friday at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur to earn their first Nepal Premier League (NPL) win. Karnali had lost their opening two games in the competition, so this victory marked a major turning point for them. Their campaign was given new hope and confidence after the victory.

Despite losing four wickets in the process, Karnali managed to reach the necessary score with one delivery left after chasing a modest goal of 131 runs. The chase was greatly aided by opener Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 45 runs off 41 balls, including four boundaries and a six. 

Karnali was kept on course thanks in large part to Dhawan's performance. Chadwick Walton bolstered his efforts with a rapid 30 runs off 19 balls, including three sixes, to assist the side go closer to their goal.

After losing the toss, the Chitwan Rhinos were put in to bat and managed to score 130/7 in their 20 overs. Ravi Bopara's undefeated 59 runs off 40 balls, which included seven fours and a six, was the high point of their innings. But the Rhinos were on the defensive from the start of their innings after losing three wickets for just 22 runs during the powerplay.

Karnali's bowling attack, spearheaded by Bipin Sharma, was essential in containing Chitwan's total. Sharma's three wickets for 21 runs had a significant effect on the match. Zeeshan Maqsood also made a big impact with the ball, taking two wickets, while Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav both took one. Arjun Bitalu's dismissal for 11 runs off 10 balls significantly hurt Chitwan's chances of reaching a larger score.

Chitwan's bowlers, such as Kushal Malla, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, and Ravi Bopara, each took a wicket despite the early setbacks, but their efforts were insufficient to stop Karnali's successful pursuit. The resolute batting of Dhawan and Walton, who made sure their team attained the mark with little difficulty, left the Rhinos speechless.

It was at a pivotal point in their tournament that Karnali won their first match in the current NPL. However, the Chitwan Rhinos' early start to the competition was thrown off when they lost for the first time after winning their first two games.

Chitwan will now try to regroup and recover from their first loss of the tournament, while Karnali's tenacity was on display in this encounter as they overcame their early losses to secure a significant victory.