KATHMANDU: The Karnali Yaks suffered their second defeat in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) as they were beaten by 3 wickets by Kathmandu Gurkhas at the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Batting first, Karnali posted a total of 149/5 in their 20 overs. Shikhar Dhawan top-scored with a brilliant knock of 72 runs off 52 balls.
His performance, however, was overshadowed by Karan KC’s explosive batting later in the match.
Other notable contributions from Karnali came from Chaldick Walton (21), Zeeshan Maqsood (14), Babar Hayat (13), and Gulshan Jha (12).
In reply, Kathmandu chased down the target with relative ease, finishing at 150/7 in 19.2 overs. Karan KC, who played a match-winning cameo, smashed 28 runs off just 10 balls, setting the tone for the chase.
Sumit Maharjan, who remained not out on 40 from 37 balls, anchored the innings, while Gerard Erasmus also contributed 38 runs off 28 balls.
Mitchell Levitt added 22 runs from 19 balls to further boost Kathmandu’s pursuit.
Karan KC’s all-round performance was key to Kathmandu’s victory.
In addition to his crucial batting, he took a wicket in the match, while Gerhard Erasmus also claimed two wickets for the winners. Nathan Swetter and Dipesh Kandel each picked up one wicket.
Karnali had been invited to bat after losing the toss. Although they had a strong start with Dhawan’s half-century, they struggled to accelerate in the middle overs.
Kathmandu’s bowlers tightened the noose, preventing Karnali from posting a higher total.
This defeat marks Karnali Yaks’ second consecutive loss in the tournament, having previously been defeated by Janakpur Bolts by 8 wickets.
Kathmandu, on the other hand, bounced back from their opening loss to Chitwan Rhinos and claimed their first victory of the NPL.
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