Chitwan Rhinos clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks in the second match of the Nepal Premier League 2025 at the TU International Cricket Ground on Tuesday, successfully chasing down 167 with five balls to spare. The win was shaped by a superb all-round effort from veteran star Ravi Bopara, whose composed half-century and disciplined bowling earned him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Karnali Yaks produced a strong batting display after being invited to bat first, riding on a magnificent innings from Priyank Panchal. Though Panchal never played in the IPL, he built a fine first-class reputation over the years before retiring earlier this season. On his T20 franchise debut, however, he put on a show in Nepal.
The opener dominated the innings from the outset, scoring an explosive 90 off just 48 balls with seven fours and six towering sixes. His fifty came off only 28 deliveries, and he continued to dictate the tempo through the middle overs. With support from Pawan Sarraf, who contributed an unbeaten 27 from 16 balls, and a steady 16 from Mark Watt, Karnali finished strongly at 166 for 3 after 20 overs. Chitwan’s bowlers were forced into containment mode for much of the innings, though Sohail Tanvir impressed with figures of 1 for 26 while Saif Zaib delivered a tidy spell to break the momentum briefly.
Chasing 167, Chitwan made a steady if cautious start but lost Dawid Malan early, followed shortly by the dismissal of Dev Khanal to slip to 29 for 2. Deepak Bohara kept the innings stable with a well-made 42 from 36 balls, ensuring the pressure did not mount excessively. The game shifted decisively when Ravi Bopara entered the middle. Mixing timing and power with masterful control, Bopara crafted a superb 52 off 36 balls, striking three fours and three sixes to dismantle Karnali's middle-overs plans. His partnership with the aggressive Saif Zaib, who hammered 38 off just 16 balls, positioned Chitwan firmly on top. Even after Bopara and Kushal Malla departed in the closing overs, Arjun Saud maintained composure to guide Chitwan to 171 for 6 in 19.1 overs.
Karnali’s bowlers attempted to drag the match deep, with Sompal Kami claiming two wickets and Unish Singh providing important support. But the burst of acceleration from Bopara and Zaib proved decisive, as Chitwan kept ahead of the chase throughout the final stretch.
The victory gives Chitwan Rhinos early momentum in the league, while Karnali Yaks will look to regroup after allowing a competitive total built on Panchal’s brilliance to slip away. For Chitwan, the day belonged to Ravi Bopara, whose experience and all-round class steered them home with confidence.
