Kirtipur: Karnali Yaks defeated defending champions Janakpur Bolts by 3 wickets in the final match of the league round under the ongoing 2nd edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). In a match held at the TU International Cricket Ground, Janakpur Bolts set a target of 130 runs. However, they managed to score only 126 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing six wickets in the process.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Sanjay Krishnamurthi was the standout performer for Janakpur Bolts, scoring a half-century with 51 runs off 39 balls. Sangeet Cooray added 25 runs from 32 balls. On the bowling front, William Bosisto led Karnali Yaks with two wickets, while Mark Watt, Pawan Sarraf, Nandan Yadav, and Sompal Kami each took one wicket.
Earlier, after losing the toss and being put into bat first, Karnali Yaks managed to score 129 runs in their 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. Imran Sheikh was the top scorer for Karnali with 33 runs. For Janakpur Bolts, Aditya Mahta and Lalit Rajbanshi took two wickets each, effectively restricting the Yaks’ scoring.
Both teams were playing their last match in the tournament, having already been eliminated. With this win, Karnali Yaks collected a total of 4 points, while the defending champions Janakpur Bolts ended up last, securing only one win in seven matches. Meanwhile, Sudurpaschim Royals and Biratnagar Kings have advanced to the qualifiers, and Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions have secured spots in the eliminators round.