KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks clinched their first victory of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) season on Saturday, defeating Lumbini Lions by nine wickets, thanks to a stunning century from opener Mark Watt at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Chasing a target of 158, Karnali raced to 161/1 in just 12.2 overs. Watt remained unbeaten on 114 off 44 deliveries, smashing his way to the first century of the ongoing season. With the knock, he also became the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
Watt’s blazing innings broke the earlier record set by his own teammate Priyank Panchal, who had scored 90 off 48 balls in Karnali’s opening match against Chitwan Rhinos.
Karnali lost Panchal early after he scored 12 off 10 balls with a four and a six, dismissed by Lumbini’s Sher Malla, the only bowler to take a wicket for the Lions. Malla conceded 29 runs in his three overs.
Supporting Watt at the other end, William Visisto contributed a quickfire 29 runs off 20 balls, hitting two fours and a six, helping seal the dominant chase.
Lumbini Lions struggled with the ball throughout the innings. Captain Rohit produced the most expensive spell, conceding 38 runs in two overs. JJ Smit gave away 17 in a single over, while D’Arcy Short leaked 23 runs in 1.2 overs. Gulbadin Naib was hit for 25 runs in his two overs, and Abhishek Gautam conceded 12 runs in his one-over spell.
Earlier, Lumbini had posted 157 runs on the board after losing the toss and being sent to bat, but the total proved nowhere near enough in the face of Watt’s explosive batting display.
The victory gives Karnali their first win in two matches this season, with Watt emerging as the standout performer of the match.
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