MATCH PREVIEW
Follow UsChitwan Rhinos have been at the top of their game in the first two encounters in the inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). They restricted the opposition, Kathmandu Gurkhas to 111/9 in the first match and then bowled out the Pokhara Avengers for 74 to post a thumping win by 87 runs.
After these two victories, they face Karnali Yaks on December 6 (Friday) in their third league game. The Kushal Malla-led side will be looking for nothing but a win to complete a hat-trick of victories in the NPL.
Chitwan Rhinos’ areas of improvement
So far, Sohail Tanvir and Rijan Dhakal in the bowling department, Ravi Bopara in the batting department and Malla and Luc Benkenstein as bowlers (but not as batters) have done well for the Rhinos.
However, they would want performances from Hasan Eisakhil and Deepak Bohara as opening batters and Malla and Benkenstein in the batting department too.
Sharad Vesawkar and Santosh Karki as homegrown talents have been more than good enough and Amar Routela has not disappointed either.
It is the four youngsters – Malla, Benkenstein, Esiakhil and Bohara – that the team would like to fire, starting with the match against probably the weakest opponents in terms of form so far.
What should Chitwan Rhinos be wary of?
Though the Yaks of Karnali haven’t managed to post even a single win, they have some of the best exponents of the T20 game in their overseas imports.
At any point, Shikhar Dhawan, Paul Stirling, Babar Hayat and Hussain Talat would make a team in NPL as strong as it gets. Thus, Rhinos must be wary of these players alongside local heroes Gulshan Jha and Sompal Kami as form is all about timing and cricket is a game of uncertainties.
Changes expected in Chitwan lineup?
Though Eisakhil and Bohara have not performed up to the expectations of fans and team alike, the Rhinos would not be looking to disturb their winning combination.
Besides, both their openers are young talents who don’t lack the skill, but need a bit longer rope maybe, to prove their worth. Thus until and unless an ill-time injury causes any disturbances, the Rhinos are likely to field the same team that won them the last two matches.
Chitwan Rhinos Probable Playing 11
Hassan Eisakhil, Deepak Bohara, Luc Benkenstein, Kushal Malla ( c ), Ravi Bopara, Santosh Karki, Sharad Vesawkar, Bipin Rawal (wk), Amar Routela, Rijan Dhakal, Sohail Tanvir
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