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Kathmandu, November 26 — On Wednesday, Chitwan Rhinos delivered Biratnagar Kings their first loss of the second season of the Nepal Premier League, securing a 48-run win at the TU International Cricket Ground with a strong all-around performance highlighted by Ravi Bopara and Ranjit Kumar.

Attempting to reach 175, Biratnagar were all out for 126 in 16.5 overs following a quick collapse during the powerplay. The Kings lost four wickets within the first six overs and were at 39-5, finding it hard to bounce back against the Rhinos’ tight bowling.

Ranjit delivered the most impressive performance of the competition, taking 5 wickets for just 21 runs—this season’s initial five-wicket achievement.

Kamal Airee backed him with two wickets.

In Biratnagar, Marchant de Lange was the highest scorer with 39 runs from 22 balls, while Sam Heazlett contributed 22 from 11 deliveries. Pratish GC provided some late momentum with a quick 30 off 12 balls, but it wasn’t enough to make a difference.

Previously, Bopara’s third straight half-century helped Chitwan reach 174 for five in their 20 overs.

The English all-rounder scored a smooth 65 from 38 deliveries, smashing three boundaries and four sixes. He formed a 56-run partnership for the fifth wicket with captain Kushal Malla, who stayed not out on 20.

Chitwan fell behind early, scoring 24 for two following the dismissals of openers Deepak Bohara (5) and Dawid Malan (17).

Dev Khanal kept the innings steady with a score of 28 before getting caught by Sandeep Lamichhane, thanks to a quick catch by Heazlett near the boundary. Saif Zaib added a reliable 32, which featured a four and a six.

The victory moves Chitwan to four points in three games, while Biratnagar remain at six points following their initial loss of the season.