Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers taste first win

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 7: Karnali Yaks and Pokhara Avengers tasted their first win in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Friday after two consecutive losses respectively. 

Karnali had lost their first two encounters against Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gurkhas while Pokhara was defeated by Chitwan Rhinos and Janakpur. But as the two teams faced a different opponent at TU International Cricket Ground on December 6, they put an end to their losing streak.

While Karnali defeated Chitwan in the first match of Friday, Pokhara secured the best victory in the NPL so far against Lumbini Lions.

The knock of 59 off 40 by experienced Ravi Bopara was what helped Chitwan post 130/7 on the board in the first inning against Karnali. Kushal Malla (23 off 27) and Bipin Rawal (11 off 15) were the only others to score in double figures for the team.

Teenager Bipin Sharma bagged three wickets, Zeeshan Maqsood took two, and Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav claimed one each against Chitwan.

Despite a not-so-high target to chase, Karnali chased it with only one ball remaining. Shikhar Dhawan (45 off 41) and Dev Khanal (25 off 34) gave a slow and steady start which was given continuity by Chadwick Walton (30 off 19), Arjun Gharti (11 off 10) and Maqsood (12 off 15*).

Chitwan used seven bowlers against Karnali with only Malla, Bopara and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton bagging one each.

The second game on Friday was more interesting. Pokhara, with a devastating batting showdown in the past two games, was given a target of 171 by Lumbini. But this time, Pokhara chased it and won the game in high fashion, by 10 wickets.

Dinesh Kharel and Andries Gous did not allow any other to enter the ground. Gous (104 off 55) registered the first century of the NPL with 12 fours and 5 sixes and won it for Pokhara with Dinesh Kharel. Kharel supported Gous with a brilliant inning of 61 off 46 (4 fours, 4 sixes).

The century of Gous and the biggest partnership in NPL between him and Kharel shadowed the 95-run knock of Rohit Kumar Paudel for Lumbini. 

Now, Lumbini is the only team without a win in the NPL as they have lost the first two fixtures. They have the chance to register the first win against Sudurpaschim Royals when they meet in the first game on Saturday. The second game of the day will see Karnali facing Biratnagar Kings. The tickets for Saturday were sold out by Friday suggesting a loud crowd at TU Ground.