MATCH PREVIEW
Follow UsThings could not have started better for Chitwan Rhinos, who got off to a perfect start with a five-wicket victory over Kathmandu Gurkhas at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. They will now hope to keep the momentum going against Pokhara Avengers on December 3 (Tuesday) to make it two in a row.
Recap & challenges
It was a brilliant all-round display from the Rhinos, who were put in pole position by Sohail Tanvir's fifer, the first of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024. The other bowlers, too, supported him well as they managed to not just restrict their opponents to just 111 but also chase it fairly easily with five wickets to spare.
However, they will not be pleased with the fact that they nearly let the chase slip at 68/5, but a steady 46-run stand for the sixth wicket between Santosh Karki (28*) and Sharad Vesawkar (11*) ensured that they got home.
They will be up against Kushal Bhurtel-led formidable Pokhara Avengers, who will play their first game of the competition. Other than Bhurtel, the Rhinos have to be wary of local talents like Sagar Dhakal, whose left-arm orthodox could prove to be vital. Not to forget pacer Aakash Chand, who has the ability to generate pace.
Among the overseas bunch, Bas de Leede, Michael Leask and Andries Gous would certainly be the ones to watch out for.
Should the Rhinos ring in changes?
Why would you change a winning combination, right? But there is certainly a case for the inclusion of Nicol Loftie-Eaton. The Namibian all-rounder not only backs a punch with the bat, but he can also make the best of the slow nature of the pitch.
Although the sample size is small, the Rhinos look like a settled unit already. They have plenty of bowling options at their disposal and an excellent range of batters, from Hassan Eisakhil, who can take on the bowling from the ball one, to the experienced Sharad Vesawkar, who, as he showed in the first game, can take on the bowling from the ball one.
Expected XI for Chitwan Rhinos
Hassan Eisakhil, Deepak Bohara, Luc Benkenstein, Kushal Malla (c), Ravi Bopara/Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Santosh Karki, Sharad Vesawkar, Bipin Rawal (wk), Amar Routela, Rijan Dhakal, Sohail Tanvir
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