Karnali Yaks edged out Lumbini Lions by five runs in a thrilling contest on Friday at the TU International Cricket Ground, solidifying their position in the Nepal Premier League playoff race. Lumbini Lions concluded their campaign with six losses and only one win, marking a disappointing end to the tournament.
Karnali’s Innings Anchored by Bosisto and Gharti
Batting first on a challenging surface, Karnali Yaks set a target of 129 runs. Their innings got off to a cautious start with Dev Khanal (3) and Babar Hayat (20) adding 22 runs before Khanal was dismissed by Saad Bin Zafar. Hayat, featuring one boundary and a six, fell as the debut wicket for young leg-spinner Tilak Bhandari.
Karnali’s middle order also faltered, with Chadwick Walton and Gulshan Jha failing to make significant contributions. Walton became Bhandari’s second victim, while Jha was caught behind off Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel’s delivery.
The innings found stability through a fifth-wicket partnership between William Bosisto and Arjun Gharti, who added 50 runs. Bosisto top-scored with a 30-ball 44, including three sixes and three fours, before being trapped LBW by Bikash Aagri. Gharti contributed a steady 25 off 25 balls before falling to a return catch by Ramon Simmonds.
Despite the partnership, Karnali struggled in the death overs, managing only eight runs from their lower order. Bikash Aagri was the standout bowler for Lumbini, claiming three wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs. Debutant Tilak Bhandari impressed with figures of 4-0-23-2, while Simmonds, Rohit Paudel, and Saad Bin Zafar chipped in with a wicket each.
Lumbini’s Chase Falters Despite Moores and Jora Partnership
Chasing 129, Lumbini Lions lost their top three batters within seven overs, including tournament-leading run-scorer Rohit Paudel, who was trapped LBW by Zeeshan Maqsood for 10 runs. Ashutosh Ghiraiya managed a slow 16 off 21 balls, and Arjun Saud added a quick 13 from six deliveries.
The Lions found hope in a fourth-wicket partnership between Tom Moores and Sundeep Jora, who added 50 runs. Moores scored 36 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and a six, while Jora contributed 24 off 21.
The turning point came in the 14th over when Jora’s dismissal triggered a collapse. Lumbini lost their next three wickets for just 25 runs, unable to recover as Karnali’s bowlers tightened the screws in the death overs.
Karnali Bowlers Shine in the Death Overs
Zeeshan Maqsood starred with the ball for Karnali, returning figures of 3-0-12-2. Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Bipin Sharma, and William Bosisto each picked up a wicket, ensuring that Lumbini fell short of their target.
With this win, Karnali Yaks have almost secured their place in the final four, while Lumbini Lions bow out of the tournament after a disappointing campaign.
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