Lions restrict Yaks to 128 runs in NPL clash

KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks gave the Lumbini Lions a modest goal of 129 runs in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) game on Friday at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. After winning the toss and choosing to field first in the match, the Lumbini Lions successfully held Karnali Yaks to 128 runs in their 20 overs at a cost of eight wickets.

With 45 runs off 30 balls, Will Bosisto was Karnali's most impressive player. Arjun Bitalu, who scored 25 runs, provided him with strong support, while Chadwick Walton and opener Babar Hayat each scored 15 and 20 runs. Dev Khanal was out for three runs, Gulsan Jha was out for eight, Sompal Kami was out for seven, and Zeeshan Maqsood was not out for a run. 

The other hitters all had a difficult time. The innings were supported by a noteworthy 72-run partnership between Bitalu and Bosisto.

Bikash Agri, who got three vital wickets while giving up just 14 runs, was the star of the Lumbini Lions' disciplined bowling display. With two wickets each from Tilak Bhandari and one each from Ramon Simmonds, Saad Zafar, and Rohit Paudel, Karnali's batting order was completely destroyed.

The Lumbini Lions are already out of the running for the playoffs in the current tournament, despite their competitive bowling effort. They did, however, demonstrate in this game that they are capable of challenging rival clubs despite a dismal season.

Fourth in the standings, Karnali Yaks is still in the running for the playoffs. Their mediocre performance in this match puts pressure on their next games because it keeps them within striking distance of moving on in the tournament.

Karnali Yaks relied on their bowling unit to defend the target and increase their chances of making the playoffs, and the game was an interesting struggle between the two sides. The Lions, on the other hand, wanted to end their season with a bang even though they were eliminated from the playoffs.