Karnali Yaks began their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign with a 19-run victory over Janakpur Bolts, with Younis and William Talat claiming three wickets each to defend a modest target of 133 in Kirtipur. Janakpur were bowled out for 113 in 19.3 overs in the second match of the day, unable to recover from regular wickets despite contributions from Abhishek Tiwari, captain Harmeet Singh and Moeen Ali. Despite keeping Karnali to 132, Janakpur were unable to make the most of their bowling performance, as Karnali’s attack delivered when it mattered most.
Younis led the way with three wickets for 22 runs, including a maiden over, while Talat returned 3 for 26 from his four overs. Nandan Yadav claimed two wickets, and Sompal Kami chipped in with one, as Karnali’s bowlers restricted Janakpur to secure the win.
Abhishek top-scored for Janakpur with 20, while Harmeet and Moeen made 19 apiece. Harmeet struck two fours in his 13-ball innings. James Neesham contributed 15 and Anil Sah added 11, but Janakpur’s chase never gathered enough momentum to threaten Karnali’s total.
Sompal was economical, conceding just five runs in two overs while picking up a wicket. The combined efforts of Karnali’s bowling attack ensured that Janakpur fell 19 runs short, handing the Yaks a winning start to their campaign. Earlier, Janakpur won the toss and elected to field at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Karnali posted 132 for nine in their 20 overs after losing three wickets during the powerplay.
Having made an aggressive start, Karnali found themselves under pressure following the early dismissals. Ariful Islam and Pawan Sarraf then steadied the innings, putting together crucial contributions to help their side reach a defendable total.
Ariful top-scored with 43 off 29 balls, hitting four fours. Pawan added 37 from 37 deliveries, striking three sixes, before being caught by Neesham off Lalit Rajbanshi’s bowling.
Deepak Dumre contributed 13, while Gulshan Jha made 12. Captain Sompal managed just one run off five balls before being trapped lbw by Harmeet. Talat and Mark Watt were dismissed for three and one, respectively, while Akbar Ali also scored one. Nandan added nine runs towards the end of the innings. Harmeet led Janakpur’s bowling effort with 3 for 22, including a maiden over. Moeen and Rahul Yadav claimed two wickets each, while Lalit picked up one.