KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 24 runs in the first match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 154 runs, Chitwan were bowled out for 129 in 19.1 overs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Usama Mir was Chitwan’s top scorer with an unbeaten 28 off 23 balls, including two fours and a six. Kamil Misara contributed 25 runs, while Kushal Malla and Dev Khanal scored 18 and 14 runs, respectively.
For Karnali, Husain Talat claimed three wickets, while Pawan Sarraf and Mark Watt took two wickets each. Sompal Kami picked up one wicket.
Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, Karnali posted 153 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Husain Talat top-scored with an unbeaten 51 off 33 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes. Opener Ariful Islam contributed 35 runs off just 15 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
Gulshan Jha added 18 runs off six deliveries, including two sixes and a four, while Pawan Sarraf scored 15. Deepak Dumre made seven runs, Mark Watt six and captain David Miller five. Sachin Sharma was dismissed without scoring, while Sompal Kami contributed four runs.
For Chitwan, Kamal Singh Airi, Salahuddin Khan and Usama Mir claimed two wickets apiece, while Rijan Dhakal and Sikandar Raja took one wicket each.
Despite the defeat, Chitwan have already secured a place in the playoffs, while Karnali had been eliminated from the playoff race before the match.
Comment