Nepal UK
Kathmandu- 17 November: Kathmandu Gorkhas launched the Nepal Premier League in style on Monday night, chasing down 131 with eight wickets and two full overs to spare against defending champions Janakpur Bolts in the first-ever floodlit match at Tribhuvan University Ground.
English batter Ben Charlesworth tore into the Janakpur attack with a blistering 46 from 23 balls, while local star Aakash Tripathi anchored the innings with a patient 39. The pair put on 70 for the opening wicket before Milind Kumar (19*) and Mohammad Aadil Alam finished the job in style, the latter smoking a six to seal victory in the 18th over.
Sent in to bat, Janakpur never quite got going after losing early wickets. Only wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh stood tall with a classy 54 off 41 deliveries. Late cameos from Mayan Yadav (24*) and Lahiru Samarakoon (22) lifted them to 130/7, a total that proved well below par under lights.
Milind Kumar was the wrecker-in-chief for Kathmandu, returning outstanding figures of 3-15 in his four overs. Karan KC, Shahab Alam and Santosh Yadav picked up one scalp each.
The eight-team NPL 2025 runs until 13 December, with Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals completing the line-up. The tournament now moves into a double-round league phase before the top four battle it out in the playoffs.
