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POKHARA, Dec 18: Pakistan batsman Babar Hayat remained unbeaten on 66 runs to set up Chitwan Rhinos’ six-wicket win against defending champions Pokhara Paltan during the Pokhara Premier League’s fourth match held at Pokhara Stadium’s cricket ground in Pokhara on Tuesday. Former batsman Hayat smashed six boundaries and four sixes to help Rhinos chase the target of 108 runs in 14.5 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Player of the match Hayat shared a partnership of 50 runs with Indian batsman Sunny Patel who stayed unbeaten on 22 runs off 18 deliveries which included a four and two sixes. Similarly, Rhinos’ third overseas recruit Rohan Mustafa, the all-rounder from UAE, scored 11 runs off 14 deliveries which included a six. Anil Kumar Sah, captain Paras Khadka and Aarif Sheikh were out cheaply for a duck, four runs and a run, respectively.
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Paltan lost its second game after defeating Kathmandu Golden Warriors in the first match. Fast bowler Rashid Khan gave an impressive spell of picking up two wickets, conceding 24 runs off his 3.5 overs. Likewise, Paltan’s Indian bowler Sarabjit Ladda conceded 48 runs off his four overs picking up a brace. Lalit Rajbanshi and Prathamesh Dake were wicket-less in their respective overs.
Earlier, Rhinos won the toss and invited Paltan to bat first. Captain Sharad Vesawkar played a lone hand as wickets kept falling at the other end. Vesawkar worked his way to 45 runs off 39 deliveries which included three fours and three sixes. Other batsmen failed to make any impact in the match as Aasif Sheikh, Indian batsman Ravi Inder Singh and Rashid Khan could muster 10 runs each. Kushal Malla smashed two sixes before getting clean-bowled by Patel for 13 runs. Paltan was eventually all-out for 107 runs in exactly 20 overs.
Rhinos bowlers Patel, Mustafa, and BhuvanKarki shared two wickets each whereas Karan KC, Bikram Sob, and Khadka shared a wicket each.
Paltan next faces Biratnagar Titans on Wednesday whereas Rhinos will face Butwal Blasters on Thursday.
