Dev Khanal
Dawid Malan
Arjun Saud
Ravi Bopara✱
Dan Mousley✱
Pratis GC
Angelo Mathews
Andre Russell
Shubham Ranjane
Rupesh Singh
Imran Sheikh
Lokesh Bahadur Bam
Charith Asalanka
Basir Ahmad
Rijan Dhakal
Tom Taylor
Ranjit Kumar
Mousom Dhakal
In a nail‑biting finish at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Dawid Malan's explosive 70 off just 50 balls lifted the Chitwan Rhinos to a narrow 8‑run win over the Biratnagar Kings. The match, part of the Nepal Premier League 2026, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball, when the Kings needed three runs off two deliveries and fell short, sealing a 157‑3 to 149‑10 result.
Match Summary
The toss saw Biratnagar Kings win and elect to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early‑morning moisture on the Kirtipur pitch. The weather was partly sunny with a comfortable 26.1 °C, 20% humidity and no chance of rain, providing ideal conditions for a high‑scoring T20 encounter.
Opening the innings, the Kings struggled against a disciplined Rhinos attack. Rijan Dhakal and Tom Taylor combined for two early wickets, leaving Biratnagar at 45‑2. Imran Sheikh tried to steady the ship, adding a quick‑fire 39 off 31 balls, while Lokesh Bahadur Bam provided a late surge of 26 off 14, pushing the total to 149‑10 after 19.3 overs. The final Biratnagar Kings cricket today score of 149‑10 was a respectable chase, but the required run‑rate in the death overs proved too steep.
Chitwan Rhinos, chasing 150, began with a solid partnership before Dawid Malan exploded onto the scene. Coming in at number three, Malan smashed 70 runs off just 50 deliveries, peppering the boundary rope with six fours and three sixes. Supported by Angelo Mathews, who bowled an economical 3‑0‑15‑1 spell, and Andre Russell, who chipped in with a wicket, the Rhinos reached 157‑3 in the allotted 20 overs, clinching the win.
Key Performances
Dawid Malan (Chitwan Rhinos) – 70 runs off 50 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes). His aggressive stroke‑play turned the chase into a statement innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Angelo Mathews (Chitwan Rhinos) – 1/15 in 3 overs. Mathews' tight line and length kept the Kings in check during the powerplay, limiting early momentum.
Andre Russell (Chitwan Rhinos) – 1/39 in 4 overs. Russell provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, dismissing key batsmen and slowing the scoring rate.
Imran Sheikh (Biratnagar Kings) – 39 runs off 31 balls. Sheikh's cameo kept the Kings within touching distance, showcasing his ability to accelerate under pressure.
Lokesh Bahadur Bam (Biratnagar Kings) – 26 runs off 14 balls. A late‑innings blitz that revived hopes, but the required run‑rate was already climbing.
Rijan Dhakal (Biratnagar Kings) – 2/25 in 3 overs. Dhakal's early wickets gave the Kings a foothold, but the Rhinos' middle order steadied the ship.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived when Malan arrived at the crease. After a cautious start, his 70‑run onslaught shifted the momentum decisively in Chitwan’s favour. The second pivotal moment came in the 18th over when Russell dismissed the Kings' set batsman, breaking a 30‑run partnership and exposing the lower order to a steep required run‑rate.
Additionally, the Rhinos' decision to accelerate in the final two overs, targeting the boundary, forced the Kings into a chase that demanded more than just singles. The pressure culminated in the final ball, where Biratnagar needed three runs but could only manage a single, sealing the Rhinos' triumph.
Series Implications
This victory propels the Chitwan Rhinos to the top of the Nepal Premier League 2026 points table, giving them a crucial cushion ahead of the next round of fixtures. The win also boosts their net run rate, a vital factor in a tightly contested T20 league.
For Biratnagar Kings, the loss is a setback but not a disaster. Their bowlers showed promise, especially Dhakal and Ranjit Kumar (1/12 in 3 overs), indicating that they can still be competitive in upcoming matches. The Kings will need to refine their death‑over strategies and perhaps look to strengthen the top order to avoid early collapses.
Overall, the match delivered everything fans love about T20 cricket – explosive batting, tight bowling, and a finish that kept the stadium buzzing. The Chitwan Rhinos T20 score of 157‑3 and the Nepal Premier League 2026 live score updates will be replayed across social media, reinforcing the growing popularity of Nepalese cricket on the global stage.