Sudurpaschim Royals beat Chitwan Rhinos by five wickets in the 11th match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday. After choosing to bowl, the Royals held Chitwan to 129/6, with Ravi Bopara’s 49 the only big score. They then chased the target with 131/5 in 16.4 overs, finishing with 20 balls to spare. It was the Royals’ second win in four matches.

Match Result at a Glance

Royals’ Bowlers Keep Chitwan Below Par

Put in to bat, Chitwan Rhinos struggled on a tricky surface and managed only 39 runs in the powerplay, losing two wickets. Dev Khanal was out lbw to Hemant Dhami for 7, and Arjun Saud was bowled by Scott Kuggeleijn for 15. Dawid Malan made 16 before Dipendra Singh Airee had him caught behind, leaving Chitwan 62/3 after 9.4 overs.

Ravi Bopara held the innings together with 49, and Bibek Yadav added 17 off 15 balls. Chitwan passed 100 in the 17th over and finished on 129/6 after a run-out off the final ball. Kuggeleijn took two wickets, while Dhami, Airee, and Anil Kharel took one each.

Royals Start Fast, Survive a Scare

Sudurpaschim Royals reached 50 in under five overs and were 66/2 after the powerplay, with Brandon McMullen on 39 off 19 balls. Chitwan then hit back with two wickets in consecutive balls at 70 (McMullen at 6.2 overs and Airee at 6.3), and a spell from Ranjit Kumar briefly threatened to turn the game.

Ishan Pandey steadied the chase with 25 off 29 balls before he was out lbw to Shyam Mousom Dhakal at 103/5. Sherfane Rutherford finished unbeaten on 21 off 15 balls, including a six, and Aarif Sheikh made 20 not out off 26 as the Royals reached 131/5 in the 17th over.

What the Result Means

Sudurpaschim Royals now have two wins from four matches, which I count as four points. Chitwan Rhinos have three points from three matches, with one win, one defeat, and one abandoned match. See the full NPL 2026 points table.

Next for Sudurpaschim Royals: vs Karnali Yaks, Match 16, November 6, 12:30 PM NPT
Next for Chitwan Rhinos: vs Pokhara Avengers, Match 17, November 6, 5:00 PM NPT

Full details: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Chitwan Rhinos live scorecard | NPL 2026 schedule | live scores