Janakpur Bolts produced a disappointing batting display against Chitwan Rhinos in the second Nepal Premier League match on Friday, managing just 88 for nine in their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat.
Needing a victory to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the first-season champions struggled against Chitwan's bowlers.
Chitwan, meanwhile, must win both their remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Trit Raj Das was the first to go, scoring five off nine balls before falling to Ranjit Kumar. Chitwan captain Sikandar Raza then bowled out his fellow Zimbabwean Ryan Burl for six to claim the second wicket.
Left-arm spinner Ranjit Kumar tightened Chitwan's grip on the match by dismissing openers Santosh Karki and Harry Tector.
Playing his first match of the tournament, Santosh scored 10 off 11 balls, including a six, while Tector was dismissed without scoring.
Bishal Sushling made 15 off 13 balls, hitting a four and a six. But Jimmy Neesham was dismissed for a duck and Abhishek Tiwari fell for four, leaving Janakpur struggling at 62 for seven. Aditya Mahata was also dismissed for four after facing 26 deliveries.
Captain Harmeet Singh top-scored with 25 off 25 balls, hitting two fours and a six before being dismissed in the final over.
Rahul Yadav hit a six off the last ball of the innings to finish unbeaten on 10 off 10 deliveries. Lalit Rajbanshi remained not out on two.
For Chitwan, Ranjit Kumar was the most economical bowler, taking three wickets for just two runs in three overs, including a maiden. Sikandar Raza took two wickets for 10 runs in four overs, with two maidens, while Kamil Mishara also claimed two wickets, conceding 18 runs in three overs.
Kamal Singh Airee and Rijan Dhakal took one wicket each.
Binod Pandey is a sports reporter for the Kantipur Publications.
