NPL: Malan's maiden fifty of the season as Chitwan sets 158-run target for Biratnagar

Chitwan Rhinos have set Biratnagar Kings a target of 158 runs to win in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League.

At the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday, Biratnagar captain Sandeep Lamichhane won the toss and chose to bowl first. Batting first, Chitwan scored 157 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their 20 overs.

England opener David Malan top-scored with 70 runs, hitting 5 fours and 5 sixes. He brought up his half-century off just 41 balls, his first fifty of the season.

Malan and Dev Khanal added 58 runs for the first wicket. Khanal returned to the pavilion on 12 and Arjun Saud on 3. Andre Russell, playing his first match in the NPL, dismissed Malan.

Captain Ravi Bopara and Dan Mousley then put together an unbroken partnership for the fourth wicket. Bopara scored 32 off 26 balls while Mousley made 29 off 22 balls.

For Biratnagar, Russell, Angelo Mathews and Charith Asalanka picked up one wicket each. Bopara led Chitwan after regular captain Kushal Malla was left out of the final eleven.

In reply, Biratnagar scored 46 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in the six-over powerplay. Opener Lokesh Bam was out for 26 off 14 balls.