In a stunning exhibition of power-hitting, the Karnali Yaks bashed their way through the Lumbini Lions to claim a victory in the 2025 Nepal Premier League. The game turned out to be totally one-sided, with Karnali leading the chase all the way through and getting to 157 runs in only 12.2 overs. To add to the glory, they managed to lose just one wicket during the whole chase. This excellent display gave the Yaks their first win of the tournament and thus provided the much-needed confidence boost they had been looking for.
The real performer of the day was the opening batsman Mark Watt, who was exceptional and scored a century that completely ruined the Lions’ bowling attack. Watt’s 144 runs off just 44 balls were a clear indicator that he had come to the ground with an intention of playing in an aggressive mode. His blistering innings blew away the entire batting and left the opposition bowlers with no escape.
Karnali Yaks beat Lumbini by 9 wickets
Karnali Yaks literally annihilated Lumbini Lions in a spectacular show of cricket at the Nepal Premier League 2025. Mark Watt, the opening batsman, made the match a one-man event, hitting a phenomenal century with 144 runs off just 44 balls. He was so loud and released so much energy that the bowlers did not even know what hit them. His innings consisted of an amazing 12 sixes and 6 fours, keeping the striking rate at 259.09 which was a nightmare for the bowlers.
The best part was Watt hitting Captain Rohit Paudel for 4 sixes in a row in the 10th over, then ending the match with two more consecutive sixes. Karnali reached the target of 157 runs in just 12.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Side by side with Watt’s masterpiece, Priyank Panchal was able to add only 12 runs, while William Bosisto made 29 runs.
This victory was not only the first win for Karnali in this tournament but also the historic first century of the NPL 2025 for Watt. Lumbini Lions had earlier scored 156 runs in their innings, with Captain Rohit Paudel top-scoring with 49 runs and JJ Smit adding 23 runs to the total. However, these runs turned out to be no more than a drop in the ocean against Watt’s rampage. Thus the victory awarded Karnali their first point in the tournament, while Lumbini remained at 2 points after their opening win. In an otherwise lopsided contest, Sher Malla accounted for Lumbini’s only dismissal.
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