Karnali Yaks Triumph Over Lumbini Lions

Karnali Yaks secured a thrilling five-run victory against Lumbini Lions in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket match held at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, today.

Chasing a target of 129 runs set by Karnali Yaks, Lumbini Lions fell short, managing 123 runs in 20 overs for the loss of seven wickets. Tom Moores top-scored for Lumbini with 36 runs off 35 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Sundeep Jora added 24 runs, while Aashutosh Ghiraiya and Saad Bin Zafar contributed 16 runs each. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel was dismissed for 10 runs, and the rest of the batting lineup failed to reach double digits.

Zeeshan Maqsood led Karnali’s bowling attack with two wickets, supported by Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Bipin Sharma, and William Bosisto, who each took one wicket.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks posted 128 runs in their allotted 20 overs after being sent to bat. William Bosisto was the standout performer with a quick 44 runs off 30 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. Arjun Gharti contributed 25 runs, while opener Babar Hayat made 20. Chadwick Walton added 13 runs, and Gulshan Jha scored eight.

On the bowling side, Lumbini’s Bikash Aagri, making his NPL debut, claimed three wickets, while Tilak Raj Bhandari bagged two. Saad Bin Zafar and skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel chipped in with one wicket each.

With this win, Karnali Yaks bolstered their chances of making the playoffs, while Lumbini Lions have been eliminated from the tournament.

The day’s second match will feature Biratnagar Kings against Chitwan Rhinos.