Karnali Yaks secured their second win in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a narrow seven-run victory over Biratnagar Kings in a thrilling encounter on Saturday at Tribhuvan University Ground, Kirtipur.
Chasing a target of 134, Biratnagar managed 126/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Nicholas Kirton top-scored for Biratnagar with 40 runs, while opener Lokesh Bam added 19 and Deepak Bohora contributed 18. The rest of the batters failed to reach double digits.
For Karnali, Nandan Yadav was the star bowler, delivering a tight spell with figures of 4-0-19-3. Bipin Sharma claimed two wickets, while Unis Thakuri, William Bosisto, and skipper Sompal Kami chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, after being sent to bat, Karnali posted 133 all out in their 20 overs. William Bosisto and Dev Khanal were the standout performers, both scoring crucial half-centuries.
Bosisto smashed 66 off 49 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Khanal scored 53 off 48 balls with four fours and two sixes. None of the other Karnali batters managed to cross into double digits.
In the bowling department for Biratnagar, Pratish GC was exceptional, taking four wickets for just 17 runs in his full quota of four overs. Basir Ahamad and Chris Sole claimed two wickets each, while Aqib Ilyas added one to his tally.
This victory marked Karnali’s second win in four matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Biratnagar, on the other hand, suffered their third loss in four games. Their only win came against Lumbini Lions, whom they defeated by two wickets. Biratnagar had earlier lost to Janakpur Bolts by eight wickets and Sudurpaschim Royals by a massive 90 runs.
In another game played earlier on Saturday, Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Lumbini Lions by 45 runs.
