KIRTIPUR — Sudurpaschim Royals made light work of a modest target to defeat Chitwan Rhinos by five wickets in the 11th match of the Nepal Premier League 2026.

Chasing 130, Sudurpaschim reached 131 for five in just 16.4 overs, finishing the contest with 20 balls to spare after Chitwan had been restricted to 129 for six from 20 overs.

Brandon McMullen gave the Royals the early momentum with an explosive 43, while Aarif Sheikh and Sherfane Rutherford calmly completed the chase after a brief middle-order wobble.

Chitwan struggle to build momentum

Chitwan’s innings never really found a sustained rhythm.

Dev Khanal was dismissed for seven, while Arjun Saud made 15 before Scott Kuggeleijn removed him. Dawid Malan also struggled to accelerate, scoring 16 from 17 balls.

Ravi Bopara provided the most important innings for Chitwan.

The experienced all-rounder scored 49 from 40 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes. He kept the innings together while wickets continued to fall around him.

Captain Sikandar Raza contributed 15, while Bibek Yadav made 17 from 15 balls.

Chitwan reached 100 in the 17th over but could not produce the late surge they needed. Bopara was dismissed in the 19th over, and Chitwan eventually closed on 129 for six.

Kuggeleijn was Sudurpaschim’s most successful bowler with 2 for 26 from four overs. Hemant Dhami, Dipendra Singh Airee and Anil Kharel took one wicket each, while Bibek Yadav was run out.

McMullen puts Sudurpaschim in control

Sudurpaschim lost Saif Zaib early for two, but McMullen immediately took control of the chase.

The Scotland international attacked from the start, smashing 43 from only 21 balls with six fours and two sixes.

His aggressive approach ensured the required rate never became an issue.

Binod Bhandari added 11 before falling to Ranjit Kumar, but McMullen continued to dominate as Sudurpaschim raced to 66 for two in the powerplay.

The chase suddenly became more interesting when Ranjit dismissed McMullen and then removed captain Dipendra Singh Airee for a first-ball duck.

Sudurpaschim were 70 for four after 6.3 overs, giving Chitwan a brief opening.

Ishan steadies, Aarif and Rutherford finish

Ishan Pandey and Aarif Sheikh responded by taking the pace out of the game.

Ishan made 25 from 29 balls, helping Sudurpaschim move beyond 100 before Mousom Dhakal trapped him lbw.

At 103 for five, Chitwan still had a small chance.

But Aarif and Rutherford did not allow another breakthrough.

Aarif remained unbeaten on 20 from 26 balls, while Rutherford provided the finishing power with 21 not out from 15 deliveries, including two fours and a six.

The pair guided Sudurpaschim to 131 for five in 16.4 overs, securing a comfortable five-wicket victory.

Ranjit’s three wickets not enough for Chitwan

Ranjit Kumar was the standout bowler for Chitwan, finishing with 3 for 28 from four overs.

He removed Binod Bhandari, McMullen and Dipendra, briefly bringing Chitwan back into the match.

Rijan Dhakal and Mousom Dhakal took one wicket each, but Chitwan simply did not have enough runs to defend.

Sudurpaschim’s victory was built on a simple formula — disciplined bowling, an aggressive start from McMullen and a calm finish from Aarif and Rutherford.

Brief scores: Chitwan Rhinos 129/6 in 20 overs (Ravi Bopara 49, Bibek Yadav 17; Scott Kuggeleijn 2/26) lost to Sudurpaschim Royals 131/5 in 16.4 overs (Brandon McMullen 43, Ishan Pandey 25, Sherfane Rutherford 21*; Ranjit Kumar 3/28) by five wickets.