ROUND-UP
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After registering two wins in the first two matches, Chitwan Rhinos managed to win just one of the next four games, but their net run rate never took a big hit. They won their last fixture, which has put them in a good position to qualify for the playoffs.
Results
Match 16: Lumbini Lions beat Chitwan Rhinos by 33 runs
Match 23: Biratnagar Kings beat Chitwan Rhinos by 51 runs
Match 25: Chitwan Rhinos beat Janakpur Bolts by 32 runs
After registering three wins in the first four matches, Chitwan Rhinos managed to win just one of the next three games, but their superior net run rate puts them in the driver's seat as far as playoff qualification is concerned.
Top performers for the Rhinos
Kushal Malla
Kushal Malla finally came good in the tournament as he scored a vital 72 off 41 against table toppers Janakpur Bolts, and his left-arm spin also fetched him a couple of wickets. No batter has scored more runs (117) than him in the last three matches, doing so at a superb strike rate of 141.
Rijan Dhakal
Rijan Dhakal has certainly emerged out of Sohail Tanvir's shadows with superb performances with the ball, especially in the powerplay, where he has consistently picked up wickets. He has seven wickets to his name in the last three matches, and overall, he is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 scalps at an economy rate of 7.57.
Amar Routela
Amar Routela showed glimpses of what he can do down the order, scoring at a strike rate of 137.1. In the Rhinos' 51-run loss against the Kings, he was perhaps the only positive to emerge from the match, smashing 42 off 29 batting down the order. While he did not have a massive impact with his medium-pace, the Rhinos will hope that the 31-year-old comes good in the next round.
Sohail Tanvir
Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir's lean patch seems to have ended. After picking up eight wickets in the first two matches, he managed just one more in the next three. However, he managed to pick up three wickets in the last three games and seems to have found his rhythm.
He picked up the crucial wicket of James Neesham against the Bolts to bring the Rhinos back into the game and, in the end, clinch the game as well.
Ravi Bopara
Ravi Bopara may not have scored at a brisk pace in the last three games, yet played a vital role in a must-win tie against the Bolts. He played second-fiddle to Malla, who was on song, and as he has done all tournament so far, he cut loose once he had got his eye in. The duo added 113 off just 67 fourth wicket to set up a platform from where the Rhinos scored a formidable 180/5.
Who has the most fantasy points?
Only Rohit Paudel (675) has more fantasy points than Malla (575) in the NPL 2024. Dhakal (498) is just behind Malla at third as he continues to take giant strides with his stupendous performances.
You can make your fantasy team for all Chitwan Rhinos matches and also for other matches in the NPL 2024 right here on Cricket.com. Download the app now.
