In the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Qualifier 2, Karnali Yaks set a modest target for Janakpur Bolts on Thursday. After losing the toss at the TU ground in Kirtipur, Karnali batted first and posted a target of 119 runs.
Karnali managed to score only 118 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. The highest contribution came from Gulshan Jha, who scored 25 runs off 20 balls, including one boundary and two sixes, before being bowled by Mohammad Mohsin.
Opener Dev Khanal scored 24 runs off 20 balls with three boundaries and one six. However, the other opener, Jaykishan Kolsawala, was dismissed for just 1 run. Among the three foreign players, their performances were underwhelming—Zeeshan Maqsood scored 12, William Bosisto made 14, and Chadwick Walton added 11 runs. Towards the end, Unis Thakuri contributed 12 runs.
Match Update:
Janakpur’s bowlers, including Lalit Rajbanshi, James Neesham, and Mohsin, each took two wickets. The winner of this match will face Sudur Paschim Royals in the final. Sudur Paschim has already secured their place in the final.
The final is scheduled for Saturday. Karnali defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs in the eliminator. However, Janakpur lost to Sudurpaschim by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 and has faced consecutive defeats in its last two matches. In the league stage, Karnali finished fourth, while Janakpur secured second place.
