Kathmandu Gorkhas celebrate historic first win after chasing 181 to stun Karnali Yaks in Nepal Premier League 2026 at TU Ground Kirtipur

Kathmandu Gorkhas Stun Karnali Yaks for First Win of NPL

ByNarayan Adhikari

Kirtipur, Kathmandu — The home supporters at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur finally witnessed the breakthrough they had been waiting for. Delivering a stunning late-overs batting assault, the Kathmandu Gorkhas toppled previously unbeaten table-toppers Karnali Yaks by four wickets in Monday’s tenth match of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 to register their first win of the campaign.

The Nepal Premier League is Nepal’s premier Twenty20 cricket tournament governed by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Chasing an imposing target of 181 runs, Kathmandu rode an explosive 50 off 33 balls from Rashid Khan and a blistering captain’s cameo of 44 off just 20 deliveries from Karan KC to reach 181 for six in 19.4 overs, sealing a memorable four-wicket victory with two deliveries remaining.

  • Fixture: Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Karnali Yaks (Match 10, NPL Season 3)
  • Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
  • Karnali Yaks: 180/6 in 20.0 overs (Ariful Islam 44, Hussain Talat 40, Pawan Sarraf 30*; Karan KC 2/35)
  • Kathmandu Gorkhas: 181/6 in 19.4 overs (Rashid Khan 50, Karan KC 44; Sompal Kami 2 wkts)
  • Result: Kathmandu Gorkhas won by 4 wickets with 2 balls to spare

Karnali Yaks Recover to Post 180/6 After Early Wickets

Sent in to bat first on Monday afternoon, Sompal Kami’s Karnali Yaks initially found boundaries hard to come by against Kathmandu’s disciplined opening attack, slipping to 41 for two inside the mandatory powerplay and 78 for four midway through the tenth over.

However, Karnali’s middle order demonstrated great composure to rebuild the innings. Bangladeshi recruit Ariful Islam anchored the charge with a fluent 44, Pakistani all-rounder Hussain Talat contributed 40 off 30 deliveries, and aggressive late-order striking from Pawan Sarraf (30 not out) and Gulshan Jha (20 off 12 balls) lifted Karnali to an imposing 180 for six. Kathmandu skipper Karan KC spearheaded the bowling effort with two wickets for 35 runs.

Rashid Khan (50) and Captain Karan KC (44 Off 20) Script Epic Chase

Pursuing 181—the highest fourth-innings target chased at Kirtipur this season—Kathmandu required clean striking through the death overs. Rashid Khan provided the ideal platform, counter-attacking against Karnali’s seam and spin attack to compile a fluent 50 from 33 deliveries.

With the equation demanding ten runs per over in the closing stages, captain Karan KC stepped up to produce a decisive match-winning blitz. Striking five boundaries and three towering sixes on his way to an unbeaten 44 off 20 deliveries (strike rate 220.00), Karan swung the contest completely, driving Kathmandu over the target at 181 for six with two balls to spare.

Standings Shake-Up at Kirtipur

The four-wicket victory marks Kathmandu Gorkhas’ first points of the campaign, moving them to two points alongside the tournament pack, while delivering Karnali Yaks their first defeat of Season 3 after back-to-back opening triumphs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the target chased by Kathmandu Gorkhas?

Kathmandu Gorkhas chased down a target of 181 runs set by Karnali Yaks, finishing at 181/6 in 19.4 overs.

Who top-scored for Kathmandu Gorkhas in the chase?

Rashid Khan top-scored with 50 runs off 33 balls, while captain Karan KC added an explosive 44 off 20 balls.

Who were Karnali Yaks’ main contributors with the bat?

Ariful Islam scored 44 and Hussain Talat scored 40 to guide Karnali Yaks to 180/6.

Where are Nepal Premier League matches hosted?

All matches of the Nepal Premier League Season 3 take place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

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