Kathmandu Gorkhas began their second season of Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign with a five-wicket victory over defending champion Janakpur Bolts in the opening day-night match played under floodlights at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
Chasing a target of 131, Kathmandu reached 131/5 in 18 overs. Ben Charlesworth powered the innings with a blistering 46 off 23 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. Opener Aakash Tripathi anchored the chase with 39 runs from 45 deliveries. Though the Gorkhas lost quick wickets in the middle overs, short cameos from Milind Kumar (19), John Simpson (13) and Mohammad Aadil Alam (8* off 4) ensured a comfortable finish.
Earlier, Janakpur Bolts posted 130/6 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. Aasif Sheikh top-scored with a fluent 54 off 41 balls, while Mayan Yadav contributed an unbeaten 34 off 29. Janakpur struggled for momentum as Kathmandu’s Milind Kumar produced an excellent spell, taking three wickets for 15 runs. He was awarded man of the match. Santosh Yadav and Shahab Alam claimed one wicket each, while Karan KC picked up one wicket but was expensive.
The Gorkhas dominated the powerplay with 55 runs without loss and maintained control throughout the chase.
The tournament continues tomorrow with Chitwan Rhinos facing Kathmandu Yaks at 11:45 am, followed by a day-night clash between Biratnagar Kings and Pokhara Avengers at 4:00 pm, both matches set to be played in Kirtipur.
