Karnali Yaks Top NPL Table After Back-to-Back Wins
Kathmandu, Nepal — As the eight franchises of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 pause for Friday’s rest day, one team stands alone at the summit of the standings: the Karnali Yaks.
Following consecutive victories over the Janakpur Bolts and Biratnagar Kings at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sompal Kami’s side have collected a maximum 4 points from two games, setting the benchmark in the qualification race for the four playoff berths.
- Team: Karnali Yaks
- Standing: 1st on NPL Points Table (4 Points, 2–0 Record)
- Captain: Sompal Kami (Nepal National Team Pace All-Rounder)
- Match 1 Result: Beat Janakpur Bolts by 19 runs (defended 132/9, bowled Janakpur out for 113)
- Match 2 Result: Beat Biratnagar Kings by 4 wickets (chased 187 in 19.5 overs)
Win 1: Defending 132 to Stun Janakpur Bolts by 19 Runs
Karnali’s rise to top spot began on Tuesday evening with a display of bowling discipline against inaugural champions Janakpur Bolts. After useful contributions from Bangladeshi batter Ariful Islam (43 off 29 balls) and Pawan Sarraf (37) lifted Karnali to 132/9, the Yaks’ attack dismantled Janakpur’s batting order to dismiss them for 113 and secure a 19-run win.
Win 2: Captain Sompal Kami’s All-Round Heroics Beat Biratnagar Kings
While Tuesday’s victory showcased bowling defense, Thursday night’s clash against Biratnagar Kings delivered one of the greatest individual captaincy displays in NPL history. After Biratnagar posted 186 for 8—despite Sompal Kami capturing four wickets—the Yaks faced a demanding target of 187 under the lights.
Arriving at the wicket under mounting pressure, Sompal Kami produced an extraordinary counter-attack, smashing an unbeaten 62 not out to steer Karnali across the line with one delivery to spare (187/6 in 19.5 overs).
NPL Season 3 Points Table Standings (After Match 6)
Below is the official points table ratified by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) heading into Saturday’s matches:
- 1. Karnali Yaks: Played 2, Won 2, Points: 4 (Sole Leaders)
- 2. Lumbini Lions: Played 1, Won 1, Points: 2 (Best NRR)
- 3. Chitwan Rhinos: Played 1, Won 1, Points: 2 (Unbeaten)
- 4. Janakpur Bolts: Played 2, Won 1, Points: 2 (Beat Kathmandu by 8 wkts)
- 5. Sudurpaschim Royals: Played 2, Won 1, Points: 2 (Beat Pokhara by 6 wkts)
- 6. Pokhara Avengers: Played 1, Won 0, Points: 0
- 7. Kathmandu Gorkhas: Played 1, Won 0, Points: 0
- 8. Biratnagar Kings: Played 2, Won 0, Points: 0
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many points do Karnali Yaks have on the NPL table?
Karnali Yaks have four points after winning both of their opening matches.
Who is the captain of Karnali Yaks?
Veteran Nepal national team pace all-rounder Sompal Kami captains Karnali Yaks.
What was Sompal Kami’s score against Biratnagar Kings?
Sompal Kami scored an unbeaten 62 not out and took four wickets in the match.
When do Karnali Yaks play their next NPL fixture?
Karnali Yaks will play their third match of the tournament during next week’s scheduled league round in Kirtipur.
