RHINOS BEAT GLADIATORS BY 7 WICKETS, STORM INTO THE FINALS

Pokhara Rhinos entered into their maiden Bajaj Pulsar Everest Premier league final. After what was a disappointing performance - 66 all out, Rhinos turned up to beat Strong Bhairahawa Gladiators by 7 wickets. It was Bhairahawa's first loss of the tournament.

Despite a decent start (32/0) from new looking opening pair of Rohit Paudel and Pradeep Airee, Rhinos managed to curtail the flow of runs, picking 19/5 in the middle. Thanks to two wickets each from Young gun Kishore Mahato and Sahan Arachchige. Skipper Sharad Vesawkar once again top-scored with 32(33) with the help of 2 fours and 1 six whereas Aarif Sheikh contributed 27(24) including 1 four and 1 six.

Chasing lowly 120, Gladiators took 3 quick wickets for 35 including two wickets in two balls by Bhuwan Karki, who replaced Krishna Karki. It was one-way traffic after those three wickets as Sahan Arachchige (53*) and Bipin Rawal (40*) put unbeaten match-winning 88-run stand for 4th wicket. Three drop catches and series of misfields that allowed extra runs did not help Gladiators. While Chitwan Tigers and Pokhara Rhinos will lock horns for their maiden EPL title, Bhairahawa Gladiators suffer yet another heartbreaking loss after dominating most part of the tournament.