Pokhara Rhinos overseas players from Pakistan, Israrullah and Taj Wali provided the perfect start to Pokhara campaign in the 2017 TVS EPL at Tribhuvan University ground in Kirtipur.
Israrullah (4/22 off 4) and Taj Wali (3/21 off 4) wrecked the middle order of Chitwan Tigers after they were comfortably placed at 77/2 in the 13th over. Dipendra Singh Airee (42 off 32) and Anil Mandal (32 off 44), who formed the partnership for the 3rd wicket, were the only 2 batsmen to cross double figure scores as a complete batting collapse led Chitwan to score only 113/9 from their 20 overs.
Pokhara Rhinos got good start from their openers, Israrullah and Sunil Dhamala, who took the game away from Chitwan. Chitwan bowlers were not able to make any breakthroughs in the entire Pokhara innings as Israrullah reached his half-century and remained unbeaten on 61 from 52 deliveries. Dhamala gave perfect support to Israrullah making 46 runs in 54 deliveries and took the team to a comprehensive 10 wickets victory. This was also the first 100 runs partnership for any wicket in the 2017 EPL.
With the win, Pokhara opened their points account in the tournament with Lalitpur winning the tournament opener yesterday against Kathmandu Kings XI. Biratnagar Warriors take on Lalitpur Patriots in the 2nd game of the day shortly.
