Kathmandu: Chitwan Rhinos made a flying start to their Nepal Premier League campaign successfully chasing a stiff target to secure a four-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks at the TU Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Put in to bat first, Karnali posted a competitive 166-3, anchored by Indian opener Priyank Panchal’s fluent half-century. In reply, steady contributions from the middle order and opener Deepak Bohara guided Chitwan to 171-6 with five balls to spare.

Chitwan’s chase wobbled early after the dismissals of opener Dawid Malan (6) and Dev Khanal (2) cheaply leaving them 29-2. Other opener Bohara held firm, scoring 42 off 36 balls with six boundaries and a six before departing at 67-3.

Ravi Bopara then brought stability with a blistering 52 off 36 hitting three fours and three sixes to earn the player-of-the-match award. He was dismissed by Mark Watt, with Priyank Panchal taking the catch.

Saif Zaib added impetus with a quickfire 38 off 16 balls featuring two fours and four sixes. He was trapped leg-before by Sompal Kami. Captain Kushal Malla chipped in with 20 off 15 including two sixes while Arjun Saud sealed the win with an unbeaten 8 off 4 balls, finishing the match with a six.

For Karnali, Sompal Kami claimed 2-33 from his four overs, while Unish Singh, Mark Watt and Yuvraj Khatri took one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Panchal blasted a rapid 90 off 48 balls smashing seven fours and six sixes. He fell to Bopara, caught by Dev Khanal, as the second wicket in the 15th over. Pawan Sarra contributed an unbeaten 27 off 16, hitting a four and a six.

Opener Max O’Dowd scored 20 off 30 before being bowled by Zaib while Scotland’s Mark Watt added 16 off 21.

For Chitwan, Sohail Tanvir, Saif Zaib and Ravi Bopara picked up one wicket each.

In the previous edition, both Karnali and Chitwan reached the playoffs after finishing third and fourth respectively. Karnali had edged Chitwan by 21 runs in the Eliminator before falling to eventual champions Janakpur Bolts by two wickets in Qualifier 2.