NPL: Karnali Yaks bowled out for 101 in pivotal game

KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks set a goal of 102 runs for the Sudurpaschim Royals in Monday's 28th Nepal Premier League game at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. After winning the toss and choosing to field, Sudurpaschim bowled brilliantly, limiting Karnali to a respectable total.

Karnali's lineup for batting struggled from the start. In the opening over, Rit Gautam was out for a duck, and in the second over, fellow opener Babar Hayat scored 13 runs off nine balls. Karnali struggled at 13-2 as a result of this early collapse, and their innings lacked impetus all through.

Zeeshan Maqsood, who scored the most runs (30 off 35 balls), offered some opposition. Despite William Bosisto's 16-run contribution, the team was unable to form meaningful alliances. The bottom order lost six wickets for just 19 runs as the remainder of the lineup broke under the strain.

Harmeet Singh, the captain of Sudurpaschim's bowling squad, put on an outstanding display, capturing three wickets for 17 runs in his four overs. Karnali's innings ended on the last delivery of the 20th over with just 101 runs, including eight extras, thanks to the two wickets each taken by Scott Kuggeleijn and Dipendra Singh Airee, who strengthened the assault.

There are major playoff significance to the match. Karnali will lose their spot in the top four if Sudurpaschim chases the mark in 13 overs, which will allow the Kathmandu Gurkhas to go up. Nonetheless, Karnali will guarantee a postseason berth if Sudurpaschim takes longer.

Additionally, Karnali can improve their standings with a resounding victory. The stakes are raised in an already crucial match if they win by a margin of 12 runs or more, which would move them past Janakpur into the top two.