Nepal UK
Photo courtesy: NPL
Kathmandu - Karnali Yaks defeated Lumbini Lions by 9 wickets to register their first win in Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025.
Riding on an explosive century (144 runs in 44 balls) by Opener Mark Watt, Karnali went past the victory target of 157 runs in 12.2 overs and at the loss of only one wicket. Watt's score was studded with 12 sixes and 6 fours, as he scored at a strike rate of 259.09. His opening partner, Priyank Panchal scored 12 runs in 10 balls while one down batsman William Bosisto contributed 29 runs in 20 balls, as he played second fiddle to Watt, who made a mockery of the Lumbini bowlers, scoring 4 sixes in the 10th over bowled by Captain Rohit Paudel. He finished the match with two consecutive sixes.
This is the first century of ILP 2025, which gave Karnali Yaks their first point of the tournament.
Earlier, Lumbini Lions scored 156 runs in 20 overs at the loss of 8 wickets in the match played at the TU International Ground in Kirtipur.
In the second match, Biratnagar Kings defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas by 5 wickets, RSS news agency reported.
No match has been scheduled for Sunday.
The contest will resume on Monday with two matches at the TU International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur.
The first match will involve a contest between defending champions Janakpur Bolts and high-flying Biratnagar Kings, who have registered two consecutive wins. Similarly, the second match, a day-night one, will take place between Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals.
A total of eight franchise-based teams are competing in the NPL involving a winner prize of 11 million rupees. Teams in the fray include Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions.
The final will be held on December 13, NPL said.
