November 2, 2026: Kathmandu Gorkhas registered their first victory of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026, defeating Karnali Yaks by four wickets in the 10th match at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
Chasing 181, Kathmandu reached 181/6 in 19.4 overs, winning with two balls to spare. Rashid Khan and captain Karan KC played key roles in the chase, scoring 50 off 33 balls and 44 off 20 balls respectively.
Karnali, who had won their first two matches, suffered their first defeat of the season, while Kathmandu opened their points account after losing their previous game against Janakpur Bolts.
Karnali Post 180/6 After Middle-Order Contributions
After being put in to bat, Karnali Yaks made a steady start but lost two wickets in the powerplay to reach 41/2. They were further reduced to 78/4 after 9.1 overs, with the Kathmandu bowlers keeping the scoring in check.
Ariful Islam top-scored with 44, while Hussain Talat contributed 40. Gulshan Jha added 20, and Pawan Sarraf provided a late push with an unbeaten 30 as Karnali finished on 180/6 in their 20 overs.
Captain Karan KC led Kathmandu's bowling effort with two wickets. Shahab Alam, Jahandad Khan, Dev Shah and Santosh Yadav picked up one wicket each.
Rashid and Karan Guide Kathmandu Home
Kathmandu's chase began steadily, reaching 50 in 7.2 overs. David Warner scored 16, while Mohammad Aadil Alam contributed 20 before departing.
Rashid Khan then helped keep the chase on track, bringing up his half-century from 33 balls. However, Kathmandu were 117/4 and still needed 64 runs from the final five overs when the game entered its decisive phase.
Captain Karan KC shifted the momentum with an attacking 44 off just 20 deliveries, hitting four fours and three sixes. His contribution brought Kathmandu closer to the target, while Jahandad Khan remained unbeaten on 22 and Santosh Yadav on five as the Gurkhas completed the chase in 19.4 overs.
Hussain Talat took two wickets for Karnali, while Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav and Mark Watt claimed one each.
What the Result Means
The victory gives Kathmandu Gurkhas their first two points of the season after their eight-wicket defeat to Janakpur Bolts in their opening match. Karnali Yaks remain on four points from three matches, having won their first two games before Monday's loss.
Kathmandu will next face Biratnagar Kings on November 5 at 5:00 PM NPT, while Karnali are scheduled to meet Sudurpaschim Royals on November 6 at 12:30 PM NPT.