Kathmandu, Nov 22: Karnali Yaks registered their first win of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 with a resounding 9-wicket victory over Lumbini Lions.
Powered by an explosive century from opener Mark Watt—who blasted 144 runs off just 44 balls—Karnali chased down the target of 157 in only 12.2 overs, losing a single wicket in the process.
Watt’s blistering innings featured 12 sixes and 6 fours, with a remarkable strike rate of 259.09. His partner, Priyank Panchal, contributed 12 runs off 10 balls, while one-down batsman William Bosisto added a composed 29 off 20 deliveries, largely playing second fiddle as Watt dismantled the Lumbini attack.
Watt smashed four sixes in the 10th over bowled by captain Rohit Paudel and sealed the match with back-to-back sixes. His knock marked the first century of the NPL 2025 season and secured Karnali their first points of the tournament.
Sher Malla claimed the only wicket for Lumbini.
Earlier, Lumbini Lions posted 156 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs at the TU International Ground in Kirtipur. Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 49 off 43 balls, while late cameos from JJ Smit (23 off 14) and Ruben Trumpelmann (29 off 14) boosted the total. D’Arcy Short chipped in with 19 runs.
For Karnali, Nandan Yadav picked up two wickets, while Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, Bipin Sharma, Yubaraj Khatri and Mark Watt each took one.
This was the second match for both sides in the second season of the franchise-based Twenty20 tournament. Lumbini remain on 2 points from their first-match win, while Karnali opened their account with this commanding performance.
The second fixture of the day—a day-night clash between Biratnagar Kings and Kathmandu Gorkhas—is scheduled to begin at 4:15 pm under floodlights. #nepal #cricket #npl
