Bopara, Ranjeet Kumar shine as Chitwan Rhinos outclass Biratnagar Kings by 48 runs

Chitwan Rhinos delivered one of their most complete performances of the season to secure a dominant 48-run victory over Biratnagar Kings in Match 12 of the Nepal Premier League 2025 at TU Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

The win was powered by Ravi Bopara's classy half-century and a match-winning five-wicket haul from young spinner Ranjeet Kumar.

Sent in to bat, Chitwan recovered from an early setback when Deepak Bohara fell in the second over. Dawid Malan's brisk 17 off 9 settled the innings before Dev Khanal and Saif Zaib added stability with important contributions. The innings, however, belonged to Ravi Bopara, who played with complete control and tempo. His 65 off 38 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, provided Chitwan the momentum they needed. Captain Kushal Malla's unbeaten 20 off 14 pushed the Rhinos to a competitive 174/5 from 20 overs.

Match 12·NPLT20 2025

OtherT20

ChitwanCHR

174/5(20 ov)

BiratnagarBIK

126(16.5/20 ov)

CHR won by 48 runs

Biratnagar's chase faltered almost immediately. Lokesh Bam and George Munsey were dismissed inside three overs, leaving the side under severe pressure. Their middle order—Sam Heazlett, Basir Ahamad, and Shubham Ranjane—could not build partnerships as Chitwan's bowlers struck regularly. Marchant de Lange’s counter-attacking 39 off 22 and Pratis GC’s aggressive 30 off 12 balls created a glimmer of hope, but the Kings remained well behind the required rate.

The star of the innings was undoubtedly Ranjeet Kumar, who bowled with remarkable discipline, movement, and accuracy. His figures of 5/21 from 4 overs dismantle Biratnagar's progress and sealed the match long before the final overs. Kamal Singh Airee supported well with timely breakthroughs, restricting Biratnagar to 126 all out in 16.5 overs.

With this result, Chitwan Rhinos secured their second win of the season and jumped to third in the points table. Biratnagar Kings, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they tasted their first defeat of the season.