Karnali Yaks ended their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign on a high note, defeating the defending champions Janakpur Bolts by a narrow margin of three runs in the final league-stage match on Sunday at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
In a match that ultimately only held symbolic significance, as both teams had already been eliminated from playoff contention, Karnali Yaks ensured they avoided finishing last on the points table with a spirited defense of a modest total.
Match Summary
- Toss: Janakpur Bolts won the toss and elected to field first.
- Karnali Yaks Innings: 129/9 in 20 overs.
- Karnali Yaks struggled to build significant momentum but managed to post a fighting total of 129. Opener Imran Sheikh was the top scorer with 33 runs off 32 balls. Key contributions also came from Gulshan Kumar Jha (19 off 20) and a quick cameo by captain Sompal Kami (unbeaten 18 off 11).
- For the Bolts, bowlers Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and Aaditya Mahata were effective, claiming two wickets each.
- Janakpur Bolts Innings: 126/7 in 20 overs.
- Chasing 130 for victory, the Janakpur Bolts suffered a disastrous start, losing their top four wickets for only 29 runs.
- A crucial 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Sangeeth Cooray revived their hopes. Krishnamurthi was the backbone of the chase, hitting a gritty half-century (51 runs off 39 balls).
- However, once Krishnamurthi fell at the start of the final over, the pressure proved too much. The Yaks’ bowlers, especially the pace duo of Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav, held their nerve with disciplined bowling in the death overs.
- William Bosisto was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance (15 runs and 2 wickets).
Takeaways
The victory for Karnali Yaks lifts them off the bottom of the table, leaving the defending champions, Janakpur Bolts, to finish the season in the last position with just one win from seven matches.
With the league stage now concluded, the NPL moves into the playoff stage, which commences after a rest day. Sudurpaschim Royals and Biratnagar Kings will compete in Qualifier 1, while Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions will face off in the Eliminator.
Also Read:
