By Sachit Subba • CLUB CRICKET • Nov 24, 2025 12:16 PM • 21 views
KIRTIPUR, Nov 24 – In a contest defined by disciplined bowling and a sluggish surface at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, the Karnali Yaks have seized the early initiative in Match 10 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL)Season 2. After electing to field first, the Yaks restricted the high-flying Sudur Paschim Royals to a modest total of 139/9 in their 20 overs, setting up a tantalising chase in Kirtipur. The Early Blitz The decision by Karnali Yak's captain, Sompal Kami, to insert the opposition looked inspired from the very first delivery. Kami, leading from the front, produced a jaffa to dismiss the dangerous Josh Brown for a golden duck, sending the Kirtipur crowd into a frenzy. The early breakthrough rattled the Royals, who struggled to find rhythm against the moving ball. Australian powerhouse Chris Lynn attempted to counter-attack, flashing his blade for a quick-fire 18, but his stay was cut short by Yuvraj Khatri, leaving the Royals precariously placed. The top-order collapse exposed the middle order early, putting immense pressure on the Royals' captain, Dipendra Singh Airee.
Airee and Harmeet Lead Recovery
Teetering at 41/3 inside the powerplay, the Royals were in danger of being bundled out cheaply. It was the skipper, Dipendra Singh Airee, who once again stepped up to anchor the innings. Displaying a blend of caution and aggression, Airee (approx. 30 runs) found an able ally in Harmeet Singh. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership, steadying the ship and pushing the score past the 100-run mark.
Airee's knock was pivotal, ensuring the Royals had something to bowl at, but the Yaks' bowlers never allowed the partnership to blossom into a match-winning dominance. Nandan Yadav was the pick of the bowlers in the middle overs, breaking the stand and ensuring the Royals' run rate remained in check.
Death Over Squeeze
Just as the Royals looked to launch in the final five overs, the Karnali bowlers tightened the screws. Wickets fell in clusters as the batters perished trying to clear the ropes on a pitch that appeared to slow down significantly. The Royals lost their way from 111/5, losing four wickets for just 28 runs in the final phase. Nandan Yadav (2 wickets) and Sompal Kami marshalled the attack superbly, using variations of pace to deceive the lower order. The Royals limped to 139/9, a total that looks competitive but 15-20 runs short of a par score on this ground.
The Equation:
The Karnali Yaks require 140 runs to secure their second win of the tournament. With the pitch offering assistance to the slower bowlers, the chase will not be straightforward. The Royals will rely heavily on their spin attack to defend this total, while the Yaks will hope their top order can kill the game early in the power play.
